Volume  XIX 


February,  1920 


Number  22 


BULLETIN  NO.  10 


The  New  York  State  College  of  Forestry 


I. 


II; 

III. 


AT 


SYRACUSE  UNIVERSITY 


HUGH   P.  BAKER,  Dean 


The  Palisades  Interstate  Park:  A  Study 
in  Recreational  Forestry 

BY 
P.  M.  SILLOWAY,  M.  S. 

Investigator  in  Forest  Zoology 
Prepared  under  the  direction  of  Charles  C.  Adams 


Social  Aspects  of  Park  Administration 

Camping  Facilities  in  the  Palisades 
Interstate  Park 

BY 
EDWARD  F.  BROWN 

Superintendent,  Camp  Department,  Palisades  Interstate  Park 


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Published  Quarterly  by  the  University,  Syracuse,  New  York 
Entered  at  the  Post  Office  at  Syracuse  as  second-class  mall  matter 


./» 


Fig.  1.     A  rugged  and  picturesque  slope  at  the  foot  of  the  Palisades  cliffs. 


Volume  XIX 


February,   1 920 


Number  22 


BULLETIN  NO.  10 


The  New  York  State  College  of  Forestry 


I. 


II. 
III. 


AT 


SYRACUSE  UNIVERSITY 


HUGH   P.  BAKER,  Dean 


The  Palisades  Interstate  Park:  A  Study 
in  Recreational  Forestry 

BY 

P.  M.  SILLOWAY,  M.  S. 

Investigator  In  Forest  Zoology 

Prepared  under  the  direction  of  Charles  C.  Adams 


Social  Aspects  of  Park  Administration 

Camping  Facilities  in  the  Palisades 
Interstate  Park 

BY 

EDWARD  F.  BROWN 

Superintendent,  Camp  Department,  Palisades  Interstate  Park 


Published  Quarterly  by  the  University,  Syracuse,  New  York 
Entered  at  the  Post  Office  at  Syracuse  as  second-class  mail  matter 


lUc'd  UCB  ENVI 

.AN  3  1 1986 


TRUSTEES 

OF   THE       ' 

NEW   YORK   STATE   COLLEGE   OF   FORESTRY 


Ex-Officio 


Dr.  JAMES  R.  Day,  Chancellor Syracuse  University. 

Dr.  John  Huston  Finlec,  Commissioner  of  Educa- 
tion    Albany,  N.  Y. 

Hon.  George  D.  Pratt,  Conservation  Commissioner.  New  York  City. 

Hon.  Harry  Walker,  Lieutenant-Governor Binghamton,  N.  Y. 

Appointed  by   the   Governor 

Hon.  Alexander  T.  Brown Syracuse,  N.  Y. 

Hon.  John  R.   Clancy Syracuse,  N.  Y. 

Hon.  Harold  D.   Cornwall Lowville,  N.  Y. 

Hon.  George   W.    Driscoll Syracuse,  N.  Y. 

Hon.  Francis   Hendricks    Syracuse,  N.  Y. 

Hon.  Louis  Marshall   New  York  City. 

Hon.  William  H.  Kelley Syracuse,  N.  Y. 

Hon.  Edward  II.   O'Hara Syracuse,  N.  Y. 

Hon.  George  C.  Sherman Watertown,  N.  Y. 

Officers  of  the  Board 

Hon.  Louts  Marshall    President 

Hon.  John  R.   Clancy Vice-President. 


[2] 


COMMISSIONERS 


OF   THE 


PALISADES    INTERSTATE    PARK 


2-7 


i/r 


Cooperating  with  The  New  York  State  College  of  Forestry  on  the 
Natural  History  and  Ecological  Survey  of  the  Park 


New  York  Commission 

George  W.  Perkins,  President 
Franklin  W.  Hopkins,  Vice-Pres. 
J.  Du  Pratt  White,  Secretary 
Edward  L.  Partridge,  Treasurer 
Richard  V.  Lindabtjry 
William  H.  Porter 

W.    AVERELL    IlARRIMAN 

Frederick  C.  Sutro 
Charles  W.  Baker 
John  J.  Voorhees 


New  Jersey  Commission 

Richard  V.  Lindabtjry,  President 
Edward  L.  Partridge,  Vice-Pres. 
J.  Du  Pratt  White,  Secretary 
Frederick  C.  Sutro,  Treasurer 
George  W.  Perkins 
Charles  W.  Baker 
Myron  W.  Robinson 
John  J.  Voorhees 
William  II.  Porter 

W.    AVERELL    llARRIMAN 


W.  A.  Welch 
General  Manager  and  Chief  Engineer 

Officials   in   Direct   Charge  of   the   Survey 

Representing  tin:  College  Representing  the  Park 

Dr.  Charles  C.  Adams,  Mr.   Edward  F.  Brown, 

Forest  Zoolofjisl  Superintendent,  Camp  Department 


[3] 


CONTENTS 


INTRODUCTORY   NOTE 

THE  RELATION  OF  NATURAL  HISTORY  AND  ECOLOGY  TO  PUBLIC 

FOREST  PARKS 

By  Charles  C.  Adams 


THE  PALISADES  INTERSTATE  PARK:  A  STUDY  IN 
RECREATIONAL  FORESTRY 

By   P.   M.    SlLLOWAY  PAGE 

Chapter          I.     The  Palisades  Region  Described 15 

1.  The  Palisades,  the  Entrance  to  a  Park  System.  15 

2.  Seven  Lakes  Drive 17 

3.  Park  Brooks 1!) 

4.  Mountains  and  Trails 21 

Chapter        II.     General  Description  of  the  Harriman  Park  Forest.  ..  23 

Chapter      III.     Wild  Life  of  Harriman  Park 25 

Chapter      IV.     Purpose  of  the  Palisades  Park 25 

Chapter        V.     Recreational  Features  of  Bear  Mountain  and  of  the 

Palisades 27 

Chapter      VI.     The  System  of  Park  Camps 31 

1.  Structures  and  Equipment 31 

2.  Services  and  Facilities 31 

Chapter     VII.     Some  Typical  Palisades  Park  Camps 33 

1.  Camp  Bee  Hive 33 

2.  American  Guard  Camp 35 

3.  Globe  Camp 35 

4.  Boy  Scout  Camp 37 

Chapter  VIII.     The  Practical  Results  of  Camping  Ideals 39 

1.  Spell  of  Night  in  the  Forest 39 

2.  Health 39 

3.  Forests  versus  City  Streets.  .v 41 

4.  Education  in  Conservation 43 

Chapter      IX.     Conclusions 43 

[4] 


The  Palisades  Interstate  Park 


CONTENTS—  {Continued) 
SOCIAL  ASPECTS  OF  PARK  ADMINISTRATION 

By  Edward  F.  Brown  page 

» 

Chapter         I.     Acquisil  ion  of  the  Park 47 

1.  Palisades,  Past  and  Present 47 

2.  Conservation  of  the  Famous  Palisades  Cliffs.  .  48 

3.  Recreat  ional  Value  of  the  Palisades 4S 

4.  The  Harriman  Park  Benefaction 50 

Chapter        II.     Pioneering  in  Public  Park  Administration 52 

1.  Park  Installs  and  Administers  all  Facilities.  .  .  52 

2.  Fullest  Use  of  Park  Resources 55 

3.  Wastes  Utilized  for  Public  Benefits 55 

4.  Sound  Finances  and  Park  Administration ....  56 

Chapter      III.     Centralization,   Coordination   and   Efficiency   in   Park 

Administration 57 

1.  Hot  Meals  Delivered  to  Camps 57 

2.  Cooperative  Health  Activities 59 

3.  Transportation 59 

Chapter       IV.     Educational  Aspects  of  Park  Utilization 01 

1.  Conservation  Education  through  Contact  with 

Nature 61 

2.  Traveling  Natural  History  Exhibits 61 

3.  Bird  Walks   61 

4.  Field  Excursions (51 

5.  Lectures 62 

6.  Music 62 

Chapter        V.     The  Money  Value  of  Recreation 62 

Chapter      VI.     National  Vitality  and  Recreation  —  A  Summary....  65 


The  Neiv  York  State  College  of  Forestry 
CONTENTS— (Continued) 

CAMPING   FACILITIES   IN  THE   PALISADES   INTERSTATE 

PARK 


Chapter 


Chapter       II. 


Chapter 
Chapter 


III. 
IV. 


Chapter 
Chapter 


V. 
VI. 


By  Edwabd  F.  Bbown  fags 

Introduction 67 

1.  Policy    of    the    Commission    Regarding    Croup 

Camps 07 

2.  Eligible  Organizations 68 

Available  Camp  Sites 6S 

1.  Lake  Stahahe  ( Carr  Pond ) 68 

2.  Lake  Kanahwauke  69 

3.  Queensboro  Valley   69 

4.  Cedar  Lake 69 

5.  Lower  Twin  Lake 69 

6.  Upper  Twin  Lake 70 

7.  Summit  Lake   70 

S.     Arden  Brook  Valley  Lakes 70 

9.     Hook  Mountain 70 

10.  Popolopin  Creek 70 

11.  Alpine,  the  Palisades 70 

12.  Brooks  Lake   70 

13.  Rockland  Lake 71 

Form  of  Application  for  Camp  Sites 71 

Standard  Camp  Buildings  and  Improvements 72 

1.  Types  of  Camp  Plants 72 

2.  Sleeping  Cabins 72 

3.  Washing  Facilities 72 

4.  Water  Supply  73 

5.  Toilets 73 

6.  Waste  Disposal 73 

7.  Docks  and  Beaches 73 

S.     Police  Protection   73 

9.     Telephone 73 

10.  Tenure 73 

11.  Completely  Equipped  Camps 73 

Cost  of  Camp  Units «. 74 

Standard  Camp  Equipment 74 


The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  7 

CONTENTS— (Concluded)  page 

Chapter    VII.     Food   services    75 

1.  Staple  ( rroceries   75 

2.  Milk 75 

3.  Bread 75 

4.  Cooked    Meals   Delivered 75 

5.  Standard    Balanced    Dietary 77 

Chapter  VIII.    Transportation 77 

Chapter      IX.    Recreation  and  Education 7S 

1.  Eow  Boats 7S 

2.  Music  and  Other  Entertainments 7S 

3.  Lectures 7S 

4.  Natural  History  Exhibits 78 

Chapter        X.     Health  Protection    7!> 

Chapter      XI.     Palisades  Park  Camp  Directors'  Association 7!) 


ILLUSTRATIONS 


The  illustrations  were  furnished  by  the  Park  Commissioners,  except  the 
photographs  for  Figures  4  and  5,  which  were  made  by  A.  W.  Abrams,  and 
Figure  23  by  T.  L.  Hankinson. 

PAGE 

Fig.     1.     A  rugged  and  picturesque  slope  at  the  foot  of  the  Palisades 

cliffs Frontispiece 

Fig.  2.  General  view  of  the  Hudson  Highlands  in  the  vicinity  of  Bear 
Mountain  Inn,  showing  in  the  background  the  wooded 
Highlands  and  a  part  of  the  Seven  Lakes  Drive 16 

Fig.     3.     Section  of  the  Seven  Lakes  Drive,  bordering  the  Kanahwauke 

Chain  of  Lakes.     The  type  of  road  built  by  the  Commission.     18 

Fig.     4.     One  of  the  Kanahwauke  Chain  of  Lakes 20 

Fig.     5.     Along    the    Seven    Lakes    Drive,    near    Carr    Pond,    looking 

toward  Tuxedo,  in  Harriman  Park 22 

Fig.     6.     Lake  Stahahe,  or  Carr  Pond,  a  natural  lake  enlarged 24 

Fig.     7.     A  trout  stream  in  Doodletown  Valley 26 

Fig.     8.     The  brook  in  Queensboro  Valley 28 

Fig.     9.     Boys'  camp  fire  within  ten  minutes  from  seething  Manhattan 

Island,  at  the  base  of  the  Palisades 30 

Fig.   10.     A  quiet  hour  in  camp.     The  rustic  mess  hall  at  Camp  Knot- 

sofah  on  Lake  Stahahe,  or  Carr  Pond 32 

Fig.  11.     Boy  Scouts  at  Council  Meeting,  on  the  Kanahwauke  Chain 

of  Lakes 32 

Fig.  12.  A  southerly  view  of  Bear  Mountain  Inn,  with  Bear  Moun- 
tain in  the  background.  The  Inn  is  maintained  by  the 
Park  Commission  to  accommodate  visitors.  There  are 
over  200,000  patrons  annually 34 

Fig.  13.  Free  boating  for  40  minutes,  on  Hessian  Lake,  at  Bear  Moun- 
tain Inn.  Over  100,000  boat  assignments  are  made  annually     36 

Fig.  14.     A  lecture  to  Boy  Scouts 38 

Fig.   15.     A   camp   library   at   Big  Brother   Camp,   Lake   Stahahe,   or 

Carr  Pond - 38 

Fig.  16.     Little  campers  on  a  hike  through  the  woods  around  Lake 

Stahahe,  or  Carr  Pond 40 

[8] 


Fig. 

17 

Fig. 

IS 

Fig. 

1!) 

Fig. 

20 

Fig. 

21 

Fig. 

22 

The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  9 

ILLUSTRATIONS  —  ( Concluded)  pAGE 

Physical  training  in  the  American  Guard  Camp,  near  Bear 
Mountain 42 

Fifty  orphan  campers  of  the  Brooklyn  Industrial  School  for 
Destitute  Children,  returning  from  a  three-day  40-mile 
hike 44 

Canoe  Beach  at  the  foot  of  the  Palisades,  opposite  New  York 
City,  showing  its  use  by  the  public 46 

The  Englewood  approach,  looking  down  from  the  cliffs  upon 
the  lagoon,  showing  the  headlands  and  the  wide  expanse 
■    of  the  Hudson .  .■ 49 

El  Capitan,  near  Forest  View,  in  the  Palisades  region;  one 
of  the  striking  landmarks 51 

Hazard's  Beach  bathhouse,  accommodating  2,000  people.  The 
stone  was  quarried  from  the  base  of  the  cliffs;  the  posts 
are  from  the  forest  of  Harriman  Park;  the  lumber  from 
the  Commission's  sawmills.  Even  the  wastebasket  and 
flagpoles  are  home-made 53 

Fig.  23.  The  automobile  which  delivers  cooked  food  from  Bear  Moun- 
tain Inn  to  distant  camps  in  the  Park 58 

Fig.  24.  A  fishing  excursion  with  Boy  Scouts  conducted  by  the  nat- 
ural history  survey  party  from  The  New  York  State 
College  of  Forestry 60 

Fig.  25.  Conserving  health;  the  Park  Commission  physician,  coopera- 
tively supported,  making  physical  examinations  at  the 
Big  Brother  Camp,  at  Lake  Stahahe 64 

Fig.  26.  Some  underfed  tenement  types,  at  the  Globe  Camp  in  Harri- 
man Park   66 

Fig.  27.     The  standard  mess  hall  in  the  Palisades  Interstate  Park.  ..      73 

Fig.  28.     The  standard  sleeping  cabins  in  the  Palisades  Interstate  Park     75 

Fig.  29.     The  19 IS  type  of  omnibus  equipment.     The  equipment  has 

been  almost  doubled  for  the  season  of  1919 76 

Fig.  30.     Map  of  Harriman  section  of  the  Palisades  Interstate  Park.  . 

At  End 


THE    RELATION    OF    FORESTS    AND    FORESTRY    TO    HUMAN 

WELFARE 


"Forests  arc  more  than  trees.  They  are  rather  land  areas  on  which  are 
associated  various  forms  of  plant  and  animal  life.  The  forester  must  deal 
with  all.  Wild  life  is  as  essentially  and  legitimately  a  part  of  his  care  as 
are  water,  wood  and  forage.  Forest  administration  should  be  planned  with 
a  view  to  realizing  all  possible  benefits  from  the  land  areas  handled.  It 
should  take  account  of  their  indirect  value  for  recreation  and  health  as 
well  as  their  value  for  the  production  of  salable  material;  and  of  their 
value  for  the  production  of  meat,  hides  and  furs  of  all  kinds  as  well  as  for 
the  production  of  wood  and  the  protection  of  water  supplies. 

"  Unquestionably  the  working  out  of  a  program  of  wild  life  protection 
which  will  give  due  weight  to  all  the  interests  affected  is  a  delicate  task. 
It  is  impossible  to  harmonize  the  differences  between  the  economic,  the 
aesthetic,  the  sporting  and  the  commercial  viewpoints.  Nevertheless,  the 
practical  difficulties  are  not  so  great  as  they  appear  on  the  surface." 

Henry  S.  Graves,  Chief  Forester, 

United  States  Forest  Service. 

"Outdoor  recreation  is  a  necessity  of  civilized  life,  and  as  civilization 
becomes  more  intensive  the  demand  grows  keener.  The  vast  extent  of  our 
present  National  Forests,  their  enticing  wildness,  and  the  notable  beauty 
of  the  native  landscape  lure  men  and  women  thither  by  hundreds  of  thou- 
sands. The  really  enormous  extent  and  value  of  this  kind  of  forest  product 
has  been  generally  overlooked  in  America. 

"The  moment  that  recreation  (using  this  word  in  a  very  liberal  mean- 
ing) is  recognized  as  a  legitimate  Forest  utility  the  way  is  opened  for  a 
more  intelligent  administration  of  the  National  Forests.  Recreation  then 
takes  its  proper  place  along  with  all  other  utilities.  In  -each  particular 
case  these  utilities  are  weighed  against  one  another  and  a  plan  of  admin- 
istration devised  to  adjust  and  harmonize,  to  the  utmost  point  practicable, 
the  various  forms  of  use  so  that  the  largest  net  total  of  public  good  may 
be  secured.  Where  one  must  be  subordinated  to  another,  preference  is 
given  to  that  of  highest  value  to  the  public." 

Frank  A.  Waxtgh,  Collaborator, 

United  States  Forest  Service. 


[10] 


INTRODUCTORY   NOTE 


THE   RELATION   OF   NATURAL   HISTORY   AND   ECOLOGY   TO 

PUBLIC   FOREST   PARKS 

To  grow  lives  for  timber  is  the  prevailing  idea  of  the  purpose 
of  forestry.  This  will  always  remain  one  of  its  most  important 
aims  in  caring  for  and  using  forest  lands.  Their  widespread  and 
diversified  use  in  the  broadest  sense,  not  only  for  timber  and  for 
the  conservation  of  water,  but  for  recreation  and  education  as 
well,  and,  not  the  least  important  possibly,  for  the  production  of 
plant  and  animal  food  crops,  is  now  coming  to  be  more  and  more 
clearly  recognized  as  wholly  within  the  province  of  forestry. 
Indeed,  the  aim  of  modern  forestry  may  be  defined  as  the  use  of 
woodlands  to  the  best  possible  human  advantage.  The  growth  of 
forestry  has  been  so  rapid  that  the  educational,  recreational  and 
food-producing  capacity  of  forest  lands  and  waters  is  a  new  idea 
to  the  general  public  and  for  this  reason  the  restatement  of  its  aims 
requires  frequent  repetition. 

The  recreational  and  educational  utilization  of  forests  varies 
with  the  local  conditions.  In  some  places  these  uses  may  be  very 
incidental,  as  in  forests  remote  from  centers  of  population,  and. 
lacking  in  transportation  facilities,  or  they  may  become  even  a 
feature  of  primary  importance,  as  in  the  case  of  National,  State 
or  Interstate  parks,  and  in  other  natural  forested  parks.  It  is  very 
evident  that  extensive  forest  areas  with  diversified  scenic,  forest, 
water  and  animal  resources  may  be  managed,  and  should  be  so 
managed,  as  to  harmonize  with  the  most  advantageous  use  of  each 
area. 

When  forests  are  intended  for  these  varied  uses  there  must  be 
corresponding  differences  in  management.  The  lumbering  aim, 
the  educational  and  the  recreational  aims,  are  not  the  same,  and 
yet  these  should  be  coordinated  and  harmonized.  This  can  be 
done  best  by  first  formulating  the  problems,  then  by  investigating 

[11] 


12  The  New  York  State  College  of  Forestry 

them,  and  finally  by  applying  the  solution  to  a  proper  system  of 
management.  The  New  York  State  College  of  Forestry,  at  Syra- 
cuse, in  recognizing  these  diversified  uses  of  forest  lands  has  defi- 
nitely undertaken  the  investigation  of  the  problems  of  forest  parks 
because  it  clearly  realizes  its  obligation  and  the  need  of  relating 
forest  land  and  water  resources  to  modern  educational,  economic, 
and  social  needs.  The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  of  New  York  and 
New  Jersey,  on  account  of  its  proximity  to  the  American  metrop- 
olis, is,  and  should  be,  dominated  by  the  needs  of  the  people  in  the 
vicinity  of  this  great  city.  An  urban  population  suffers  from  its 
lack  of  direct  contact  with  wild  nature,  both  in  education  and 
recreation,  and  at  the  present  time  the  proper  recreational  and 
educational  use  of  wild  parks  is  one  of  the  most  available  remedies 
for  this  deficiency.  It  is  not  necessary  to  here  state  the  reasons 
why  a  first-hand  knowledge  of  nature  is  an  essential  part  in  a 
normal  healthy  life,  or  to  emphasize  the  importance  of  an  imper- 
sonal point  of  view,  which  is  the  natural  antidote  for  too  much  of 
the  personal  and  too  exclusively  human  interest,  both  necessarily 
fostered  by  urban  life.  To  mention  it  is  sufficient  for  our  purpose. 
One  remedy  for  this  condition  is  an  intimate  association  with  the 
resources  of  the  Park,  and  a  first-hand  knowledge  of  what  these 
resources  mean.  In  general,  the  natural  history  resources  of  our 
parks  have  not  been  adequately  appreciated  either  for  education  or 
.recreation.  The  real  significance  of  conservation  of  wild  life  (and 
as  well,  conservation  in  general)  can  mean  little  to  such  persons. 
These  resources  have,  in  the  past,  been  largely  ignored,  or  left  to 
chance  use. 

The  present  Cooperative  Natural  History,  or  Ecological  Forest 
Survey,  is  intended  to  investigate,  by  means  of  experienced  per- 
sons, the  natural  history  resources  of  the  Park  ecologically  —  that 
is,  in  relation  to  one  another  and  to  the  whole  environment — includ- 
ing their  relation  to  man  from  the  standpoint  of  park  ideals, 
embracing  educational  and  recreational  usage,  as  well  as  the  produc- 
tion of  food,  and  all  to  be  done  in  such  a  manner  as  to  harmonize 
the  best  uses  of  the  Park  and  public  welfare.  As  this  is  a  relatively 
new  field  of  activity,  in  which  there  are  remarkably  few  precedents, 
this  work  should  be  considered  an  experimental  study  of  how  to 


The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  13 

relate  the  natural  resources  of  the  Park  to  the  public.  The  Park 
itself  might  well  be  looked  upon  as  a  large  experiment  station 
devoted  to  the  investigation  of  forest  park  problems,  and  the  appli- 
cation of  the  solution  to  public  welfare. 

This  survey  has  been  initiated  through  the  cooperation  of  the 
broadminded  Commissioners  of  the  Palisades  Interstate  Park,  of 
whom  Mr.  George  W.  Perkins  is  President,  and  The  New  York 
Slate  College  of  Forestry.  Those  in  direct  charge  of  the  work  have 
been  Mr.  Edward  F.  Brown,  Superintendent  of  the  Camp  Depart- 
ment on  behalf  of  the  Park,  and  myself,  representing  the  College. 
This  survey  is  believed  to  be  the  first  comprehensive  plan,  now  in 
operation,  for  an  ecological  survey  of  a  large  public  park  intended 
to  relate  its  natural  history  resources  to  the  park  visitors.  It  is  to 
be  hoped  that  the  experience  gained  in  these  experiments  will 
induce  others  to  make  similar  studies  and  to  make  their  results 
appropriately  available  to  the  public  —  because  we  are  now  at  a 
critical  stage  —  at  the  dawn  of  a  great  awakening  in  the  apprecia- 
tion of  our  large  natural  parks  and  the  realization  of  how  much 
wild  life  can  contribute  to  their  best  use.  The  goal  is  an  intelli- 
gent and  sympathetic  appreciation  and  use  of  this  resource,  and 
this  result  can  only  be  accomplished  by  the  education  of  the  public 
to  a  realization  of  their  unusual  opportunities. 

The  first  of  the  papers  in  this  bulletin  by  P.  M.  Silloway,  Inves- 
tigator in  Forest  Zoology  for  the  College  of  Forestry,  is  a  general 
description  of  the  Park  and  an  account  of  the  present  methods  of 
relating  its  natural  resources  to  public  welfare.  This  bulletin  serves 
as  a  general  introduction  to  the  series  now  in  preparation  on  the 
Park  and  presents  a  background  for  understanding  the  general 
conditions  to  which  the  natural  history  studies  now  in  progress 
are  to  be  related.  It  should  be  mentioned  that  Mr.  Silloway  has 
been  making  a  special  study  of  the  birds  of  the  Park  as  a  part  of 
the  Cooperative  Ecological  Forest  Survey  and  has  in  preparation 
other  publications  on  this  subject.  The  two  following  papers  are 
contributed  by  Edward  F.  Brown,  Superintendent  of  the  Camp 
Department  of  the  Park.  He  describes  the  unique  system  of  camp- 
ing which  has  been  developed  in  this  Park.  The  experience  here 
summarized  will,  it  is  expected,  be  of  special  value  to  those  inter- 


14         The  Neiv  York  State  College  of  Forestry 

ested  in  similar  and  allied  work  in  other  localities.  This  experi- 
ence is  of  special  value  because  it  gives  the  results  of  experiments 
conducted  in  this  the  largest  camping  park  in  the  world:. 

It  is  anticipated  that  this  publication  will  prove  of  value  to 
foresters  alert  to  the  growth  in  their  own  field;  to  educators  and 
social  workers  interested  in  the  physical  and  mental  welfare  of  the 
present  and  future  generations,  and  to  all  persons  and  agencies 
who  believe  that  the  resources  of  the  Park  should  be  made  avail- 
able to  the  average  citizen. 

It  is  a  pleasure,  in  conclusion,  to  express  my  sincere  personal 
gratitude  to  those  who  have  made  it  possible  to  initiate  this  ecologi- 
cal forest  survey,  to  Mr.  George  W.  Perkins  and  to  Mr.  Edward 
F.  Brown  of  the  Park,  and  to  Dean  F.  F.  Moon  of  the  College  of 
Forestry,  for  their  generous  and  intelligent  appreciation  and  sup- 
port of  the  plan. 

Chas.  C.  Adams, 

Forest  Zoologist. 

Department  of  Forest  Zoology, 
August  15,  1918. 


THE  PALISADES  INTERSTATE  PARK:    A  STUDY  IN 
RECREATIONAL  FORESTRY 

P.     M.    SlLLOWAY 

THE  PALISADES  REGION  DESCRIBED 

The  Palisades,  the  Entrance  to  a  Park  System.  The  name  is 
suggestive  of  the  location  of  the  Park,  and  its  leading  scenic  attrac- 
tions, yet  the  domain  includes  more  than  the  famed  Palisades  of 
the  lower  Hudson  River.  The  boundaries  of  the  Park  encompass 
the  heart  of  the  Hudson  Highlands  below  West  Point,  where  this 
great  river  traverses  the  Appalachian  Mountains,  a  region  of  beau- 
tifully wooded  mountains  (Fig.  2),  with  precipitous  cliffs  and 
rugged  hillsides,  ravines  where  brooks  trickle  from  moss-covered 
rock  to  rock  through  secluded  glens,  beautiful  lakes  nestling  at 
the  base  of  rock  ledges,  and  mountain  streams  gurgling  through 
beautiful  gorges,  all  in  their  native  wildness,  made  available  and 
accessible  by  a  system  of  roads  unsurpassed  by  the  Roman  road- 
makers  of  old. 

The  entire  Park  property  is  not  comprehended  in  one  area,  as  it 
consists  at  present  of  four  separate  tracts;  but  properly  it  has  two 
main  units,  the  Palisades  section  and  the  Harriman  region,  both 
on  the  west  side  of  the  Hudson  and  forming  a  continuous  area  for 
Park  administrative  purposes.  The  two  sections  are  unified  by 
the  splendid  Henry  Hudson  Drive,  which,  when  completed,  will 
constitute  a  magnificent  highway.  The  Drive  is  so  located  that  it 
skirts  the  bases  of  the  cliffs  and  overlooks  the  wooded  shore-line 
of  the  river,  affording  a  series  of  views  among  the  best  in  eastern 
America,  and  depicting  to  the  tourist  the  chief  scenic  beauties  of 
the  Hudson. 

The  Palisades  section  of  the  Park  lies  chiefly  in  New  Jersey, 
extending  along  the  river  a  distance  of  about  twelve  miles,  and 
including  nearly  all  the  Palisades  river-front  from  Fort  Lee  to  the 
interstate  boundary  line. 

The  Bear  Mountain  and  Harriman  unit  of  the  Park  is  altogether 
in  New  York,  along  the  boundary  line  of  Orange  and  Rockland 
counties. 

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The  Seven  Lakes  Drive.  The  drive  from  Bear  Mountain  west- 
ward into  the  interior  of  the  Park  (Fig.  2)  leads  through  a  suc- 
cession of  valleys  of  wondrous  beauty,  passing  tiny  lakes  bluer 
than  the  sky  and  mirroring  the  hills  encompassing  them.  Here 
art  has  added  to  nature's  resources,  and  after  a  winding  turn  in 
the  road  the  visitor  comes  unexpectedly  upon  a  beautiful  artificial 
lake,  supplied  by  springs  from  the  neighboring  slopes.  The  arti- 
ficial enlargement  of  the  lakes  and  the  making  of  lakes  where  none 
existed  before  constitute  one  of  the  notable  achievements  of  the  Park, 
which  has  enhanced  its  value  for  scenic  and  recreational  purposes. 
The  interior  beauties  of  the  Park  are  enhanced  by  the  location  of 
the  roads,  which  skirt  the  bases  of  the  rock-terraces,  and  afford  the 
fullest  views  of  the  spacious  amphitheatres  between  the  mountains. 
Every  turn  of  the  road  leaves  a  sturdy  mountain  behind,  revealing 
an  expansive  valley  and  accompanying  mountain  beyond,  with 
green  slopes  of  ravines  on  right  or  left,  or  the  shimmer  of  lakelet 
reflecting  adjacent  heights. 

The  drive  from  Bear  Mountain  Inn  toward  Tuxedo  is  a  par- 
ticular example  of  mountain  road-making  (Fig.  2)  with  striking 
scenic  effects.  Winding  around  the  eastern  base  of  the  mountain, 
the  drive  partially  encircles  the  broad  amphitheatre  known  locally 
as  Doodletown  Valley,*  with  the  crest  of  the  Dunderberg  forming 
the  eastern  sky-line.  The  drive  next  traverses  the  beautiful  Queens- 
borough  Valley,  an  irregular  trough  framed  by  a  series  of  contin- 
uous wooded  mountains.  Beyond  Cedar  Pond,  on  the  drive  toward 
Tuxedo,  lies  the  trio  of  ponds  known  as  Kanahwauke  Lakes 
(Figs.  3  and  4),  each  an  admirable  example  of  a  mountain  lake- 
let. Their  location  is  a  center  of  rugged  mountain  woods,  a  suc- 
cession of  tortuous  valleys  enclosed  by  rocky  ledges  and  hillsides 
whose  forested  slopes  stretch  upward  and  away  from  the  water 
surface  in  all  directions.  Little  Long  Pond,  of  the  Kanahwauke 
group,  may  be  given  brief  mention  as  a  typical  example.  It  occu- 
pies a  valley  about  two  miles  long  and  more  than  half  a  mile  wide. 


*  When  the  British  forces  surprised  the  Fort  Clinton  and  Fort  Montgom- 
ery garrisons  by  an  attack  from  the  land,  they  marched  through  a  mountain 
pass  in  the  valley  while  their  band  played  "  Yankee  Doodle."  Since  then 
the  community  has  been  known  as  Doodletown. 


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Along  its  western  side  is  Hemlock  Hill,  a  sturdy  wooded  moun- 
tain attaining  an  elevation  of  thirteen  hundred  feet  above  the 
Hudson  tide  level,  and  rearing  its  huge  rock-ledges  almost  per- 
pendicularly above  the  roadway  here  skirting  the  pond-shore. 
Farther  along  the  drive  views  open  to  the  westward  (Fig.  5)  and 
Lake  Stahahe,  or  Can  Pond  (Fig.  6),  is  passed.  This  is  a  delight- 
ful creation  of  nature  and  engineering  art,  deep-laid  in  a  mountain 
valley,  glimpses  of  its  blue  waters  appearing  to  the  tourists'  gaze 
through  convenient  openings  in  the  surrounding  forest  canopy  — 
nature's  gem  in  her  verdant  setting. 

Park  Brooks.  The  pleasing  diversity  of  the  Park  scenery  is 
enhanced  by  the  brooks  coursing  the  valleys.  Each  of  the  brooks 
is  fed  by  minor  ravines  from  far  up  the  adjacent  slopes,  the  aggre- 
gate forming  a  system  of  drainage  so  perfect  that  swamp  areas  of 
any  considerable  extent  are  practically  unknown  in  the  domain. 
The  streams  themselves  are  generally  hidden  by  the  scrub  forest 
investing  their  banks,  but  everywhere  in  their  courses  can  be 
glimpsed  the  cool  secluded  glens  so  attractive  to  the  camper  and 
transient  visitor.  In  these  grow  the  choicest  hemlock,  sycamore 
and  tulip  trees,  and  in  the  pools  among  mossy  rocks  the  fisherman 
looks  for  hungry  trout  (Fig.  7). 

A  casual  survey  of  the  Bear  Mountain  and  Harriman  Park  sec- 
tions shows  that  the  brook  systems  are  chiefly  tributaries  of  the 
Hudson  on  the  east,  and  the  smaller  Eamapo  Eiver  on  the  west. 
Along  the  northern  boundary  of  the  Park  the  Popolopin  Creek 
forms  a  series  of  picturesque  ravines.  On  the  eastern  and  southern 
drainage  sides  we  find  Queensboro  Brook  (Fig.  8)  and  Cedar 
Pond  Brook,  each  having  a  conspicuous  part  in  valley  and  ravine 
formation.  The  southern  angles  of  the  Park  touching  the  Eamapo 
foothills  are  broken  by  tributaries  of  the  Mahaw  Eiver,  which 
transect  the  hills  at  irregular  intervals.  On  the  southwest  are  the 
long  valleys  of  Pine  Meadow  Brook  and  Stony  Brook,  leading  down 
toward  the  Eamapo.  Besides  the  larger  brook  features,  there  are 
many  smaller  streams  which  feed  the  interior  lakes  and  serve  as 
fountain-heads  for  valley  reservoirs. 


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Mountains  and  Trails.  The  term  "  Hudson  Highlands  "  very 
appropriately  describes  lliis  region  of  the  Park.  In  the  forty 
square  miles  of  Park  domain  and  contiguous  area,  there  are 
between  fifteen  and  twenty  mountains  (Fig.  30)  whose  elevation 
attains  twelve  hundred  to  fourteen  hundred  feet,  and  as  many 
more  whose  altitude  exceeds  one  thousand  feet.  The  very  diversity 
and  richness  of  the  Park  in  its  scenic  features  may  be  expressed 
in  concrete  figures  by  an  estimate  of  one  mountain,  with  dependent 
ravines  and  base  valleys,  to  each  square  mile  of  superficial  extent. 
Among  the  worth  while  elevations  may  be  mentioned  Bear  Moun- 
tain, overlooking  the  Hudson;  Long  Mountain,  a  series  of  vary- 
ing heights  to  the  west  of  Bear  Mountain;  Stockbridge  Mountain 
(1,393  feet),  having  three  elevations  probably  forming  the  climax 
of  this  portion  of  the  Highlands ;  Cranberry  Hill,  to  the  southward 
of  Long  Mountain;  Hemlock  Hill,  at  the  head  of  the  Kanahwauke 
Lake  locality  alongside  Little  Long  Pond ;  and  the  northern  exten- 
sion of  the  Eamapo  Mountains,  a  series  of  fine  hills  ranging  from 
one  thousand  to  twelve  hundred  feet  in  elevation. 

The  maze  of  mountain  roads  and  trails  in  the  Park  grows  out 
of  the  association  of  hills  and  brooks.  Generally  each  little  hill- 
side watercourse  has  an  irregular  trail  following  its  windings  up 
the  slope  and  frequently  leading  to  huckleberry  beds  or  mountain 
summit.  From  Bear  Mountain  Inn  a  splendid  trail  of  easy  grade 
traverses  the  terraces  to  the  rocky  crest  thirteen  hundred  feet  above 
the  sea-level.  Almost  every  mountain  is  furnished  with  trails  for 
fire  patrol  purposes,  affording  the  visitor  easy  facilities  for  reaching 
sites  of  magnificent  views  over  miles  of  encircling  green  hills.  For 
example,  Hemlock  Hill,  lying  along  the  northwest  shore  of  Little 
Long  Pond,  has  a  delightful  trail,  easy  of  footing  and  with  slight 
grade,  bv  which  the  visitor  can  reach  the  thirteen  hundred-foot 
summit  in  less  than  one  hour's  walk,  all  without  injury  even  to 
the  dressing  on  my  lady's  kid  shoes.  In  all  there  are  about  one 
hundred  forty  miles  of  forest  trails  traversing  mountain  slopes 
and  wooded  shore-lines. 


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The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  23 

GENERAL  DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  HARRIMAN  PARK  FOREST 

The  Palisades  Interstate  Park,  and  especially  the  Harriman 
section,  owes  its  creation  to  its  native  forest  character.  The  region 
is  a  wilderness  of  wooded  mountains,  touched  by  human  genius  to 
conserve  its  wildwood  aspects  and  to  utilize  them  for  well-directed 
purposes  of  rational  recreation  and  education.  Here  we  find  the 
foundation  for  a  Park,  a  greai  domain  of  uniform  woods,  miles  of 
forest  trees  in  every  degree  of  development.  Every  hillside  is  clad 
in  a  continuous  covering  of  green;  and  every  valley,  unoccupied 
by  lake  or  pond,  is  an  area  of  unbroken  woodland. 

In  popular  terms  the  Highlands  forest  is  a  forest  of  oaks. 
hickories  and  chestnut.  Generally  it  is  of  the  hardwood  type. 
Scattered  throughout  the  area  coniferous  trees  are  noted,  in  some 
localities  becoming  so  prominent  that  their  true  proportion  is 
likely  to  he  over-estimated.  •  In  fact,  here  and  there  hemlocks  rear 
their  spires  above  all  surrounding  trees.  Alongside  of  Little  Long 
Pond,  Hemlock  Hill  hears  upon  its  rocky  terraces  numberless 
specimens  of  this  handsome  conifer.  Pines  and  cedars  also  abound 
throughout  the  Park,  but  as  a  whole  the  percentage  of  the  ever- 
green element  is  very  low.  Among  the  hardwoods  the  chief  trees 
are  the  chestnut,  several  species  of  oak,  hickory,  maple,  ash,  birch, 
locust,  tulip  tree,  basswood,  walnut,  beech,  elm,  and  sycamore, 
besides  occasional  specimens  of  others  native  to  the  region.  The 
trees  alone,  however,  cannot  constitute  a  true  forest,  and  here  we 
find  the  associated  features  which  give  the  forest  its  wild  character. 
Sweet  fern  grows  in  profusion  on  the  dry  hillsides,  with  aspens, 
raspberry,  sumach,  wild  grape,  witch  hazel,  and  elder.  Huckle- 
berry flourishes  on  the  slopes  and  terraces  of  the  mountains,  while 
ill-drained  ravines  harbor  swamp  fern,  alder,  swamp  maple,  and 
blueberry.  Everywhere  upon  the  slopes  and  in  dry  valleys  the 
Kalmia  or  mountain  laurel  crouches,  or  rears  its  thick-set  bush  as 
the  dominant  shrub  of  the  region.  Flowering  shrubs  appear  in  all 
situations  and  are  so  noticeably  attractive  that  signs  are  posted 
along  all  roads  warning  visitors  not  to  pick  or  destroy  the  wild 
flowers. 


The  Palisades  Interstate  Pail,  25 

WILD  LIFE  OF  HARRIMAN  PARK 

The  conservation  of  the  wild  life  of  the  Park  is  one  of  the 
definite  aims  of  the  Commission  in  charge.  The  animals  of  all 
kinds  inhabiting  the  region  are  regarded  as  an  integral  part  of 
the  domain  useful  in  the  general  scheme  of  educative  recreation. 
The  Park  is  a  veritable  sanctuary  for  birds,  and  in  the  nesting 
season  their  songs  give  animation  to  all  localities  during  the  wak- 
ing hours.  About  one  hundred  species  of  birds  have  been  noted 
as  making  their  summer  home  in  the  Park,  and  the  greater  part  of 
these  can  be  found  in  any  general  locality  of  the  domain.  Among 
the  prominent  songsters  are  the  robin,  wood  thrush,  house  wren, 
brown  thrasher,  catbird,  redstart,  yellow-throat,  water  thrush,  oven- 
bird,  red-eyed  vireo,  scarlet  tanager,  indigo-bird,  rose-breasted  gros- 
beak, song  sparrow,  goldfinch,  and  Baltimore  oriole.  AVoodcock 
have  been  found  rearing  their  young  near  the  shores  of  the  Kanah- 
wauke  Lakes,  and  frequently  the  whirr  of  ruffed  grouse's  wings 
makes  music  for  the  sportsman's  ear.  Red-winged  blackbirds  hover 
over  the  marshy  borders  of  the  ponds,  and  the  kingfisher  and  green 
heron  utter  their  harsh  calls  along  the  wooded  shores. 

Of  many  wildwood  creatures  the  present  Park  domain  has  only 
a  remnant  of  its  early  residents.  A  few  deer  remain;  squirrels 
are  not  numerous,  but  chipmunks  are  common.  Foxes  yet  live 
in  the  nooks  of  the  Park.  Woodchucks  inhabit  the  rock  ledges 
along  the  bases  of  the  mountains,  and  rabbits  find  a  safe  refuge 
in  the  scrubby  bush.  Muskrats  live  undisturbed  in  the  larger 
marshes.  Fishing  is  always  good  when  there  are  good  fishermen, 
and  most  of  the  lakes  are  stocked  with  fish. 

PURPOSE  OF  THE  PALISADES  PARK 

While  Hie  Palisades  Interstate  Park  is  replete  with  features  of 
scenic  and  biological  interest,  the  aim  of  the  Commission  is  not  to 
give  the  natural  setting  undue  prominence,  but  rather  to  use  it  as 
a  background  or  staging  for  recreative  and  educational  activities 
ministering  to  the  welfare  of  the  people  entering  the  sphere  of  its 
influence.  The  purpose  of  the  Commission,  in  brief,  is  to  make 
the  Park  an  appreciable  factor  in  the  lives  of  campers  and  visitors 
by    maintaining    arrangements    conducive    to    healthful    outdoor 


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The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  27 

recreation,  sanitary  living,  child  welfare,  and  educational  vacation 
activities.  President  Perkins  says:  "  What  we  have  been  striving 
to  attain  is  a  rational  development  of  the  people's  land,  so  that  its 
utilization  will  definitely  promote  health  and  ghe  opportunity  for 
wholesome  play,  at  the  same  time  preserving  the  native  "beauty  and 
historic  hills  of  its  regions."  The  scope  of  such  aims  and  ideals  is 
necessarily  wide  and  Ear-reaching.  Nature  is  to  be  left  intact,  yet 
utilized  to  become  a  co-worker  with  man's  science  and  skill.  Such 
a  purpose  seizes  upon  the  elements  at  hand,  and  an  ideal  grows  to 
comprehend  a  complex  group  of  social  activities  potential  in  edu- 
cative values.  An  original  tenting  site  with  adjacent  hillside  and 
pond-shore  grows  into  a  system  of  well-organized  supervised  camps. 
Aboriginal  trails  and  old  lumber  roads  are  transformed  into  high- 
ways and  trails  penetrating  every  nook  and  corner  of  the  domain 
with  transportation  facilities  for  handling  daily  hundreds  of  camp- 
ers and  sight-seers.  Crude  methods  of  camp  cooking  and  supply 
have  been  replaced  by  a  modern  dietary  from  a  centralized  kitchen, 
with  daily  food  distribution  to  camps.  Aimless  loitering  about  the 
woods  has  ceased  to  consume  valuable  time,  as  definite  camp  activi- 
ties are  directed  by  experienced  leaders.  The  water  supply  of 
springs  and  streams  is  conserved  by  a  system  of  reservoirs  and 
lakes  intended  to  answer  every  demand  of  service  and  of  recreation. 
The  natural  means  for  boating  and  bathing  are  augmented  by  gen- 
erous construction  of  beaches,  pavilions  and  docks.  The  little 
camp-fire  of  the  small  party  (Fig.  9)  has  been  enlarged  into 
arrangements  for  entertainment  in  commodious  quarters  (Fig.  10) 
and  council  rooms  at  recreation  centers  (Fig.  11).  Finally,  the 
purpose  of  the  Park  Commission  carries  with  it  all  the  activities 
incidental  to  the  development  and  expansion  of  large  public 
enterprises. 

RECREATIONAL    FEATURES    OF   BEAR   MOUNTAIN    AND    OF 

THE  PALISADES 

Of  the  thousands  of  visitors  to  the  Park  each  season,  the  great 
majority  seldom  gets  farther  than  the  Bear  Mountain  Inn  or  the 
Palisades  recreation  centers.  Most  of  the  visitors  are  excursionists, 
having  at  their  disposal  only  a  few  hours  of  leisure  for  the  outing. 


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and  to  such  persons  the  Inn  offers  desirable  close-at-hand  recreation 
divested  of  all  catch-penny  amusements.  The  Inn  itself  is  worthy 
of  more  than  passing  comment,  as  its  architecture  (Fig.  12)  is  in 
studied  harmony  faith  a  situation  wonderfully  picturesque  (Fig.  2). 
Upon  one's  first  view  of  the  structure,  nestling  low  at  the  base  of 
the  mountain,  one  imagines  that  he  is  looking  across  some  lovely 
Swiss  valley  in  the  lower  Alps.  The  building  is  designed  as  a 
resting-place  for  transient  tourists,  and  to  afford  accommodations 
of  dining-room  and  lunch  counter  for  excursionists  desiring  this 
service  at  a  reasonable  price.  The  resort  has  a  railroad  station 
and  steamer  docks  constructed  in  fitting  picturesque  style,  with 
spacious  surroundings  and  elevated  approaches  leading  to  the  mag- 
nificent pleasure  grounds  constituting  the  resort.  At  the  base  of 
the  mountain  beautiful  Hessian  Lake  extends  back  of  the  Inn, 
with  ample  free  boating  facilities  for  the  thousands  of  visitors  who 
throng  the  water  surface  (Fig.  13).  In  the  natural  grove  around 
the  lake  there  is  a  great  playground  with  swings,  benches,  pavilions 
and  intersecting  foot-paths  or  attractive  lunch  places  under  spread- 
ing hemlocks  near  trickling  brooks.  In  front  of  the  Inn  a  spacious 
lawn  offers  recreation,  base  ball,  tennis,  and  other  athletic  sports. 
Whatever  the  phase  of  outdoor  recreation  that  suits  one's  fancy,  the 
visitor  here  may  find  something  to  please  and  to  interest,  pic- 
turesque views  for  camera,  quiet  walks  on  shady  trails  beset  with 
shrubs  and  flowers,  rowing  on  the  lake,  romping  in  the  grove,  or 
simple  enjoyment  of  retired  nooks  and  nature's  unobtrusive 
charms. 

The  Palisades  section  of  the  Park  is  a  continuous  series  of 
recreation  centers,  each  offering  diversions  of  similar  character, 
yet  having  its  own  claims  to  scenic  beauty  with  a  magnificent  back- 
ground. Englewood,  Alpine,  Hazard  Beach,  and  Forest  View  are 
popular  centers  where  the  visitor  finds  all  the  delights  of  public 
playground,  boating,  canoeing  and  bathing,  or  the  more  quiet 
recreations  of  woodland  walks  and  country  camps.  The  specially 
delightful  character  of  these  resorts  consists  in  the  fact  that  nature 
has  not  been  modified  and  transformed  into  the  tameness  and  pre- 
cision of  the  ordinary  city  parks,  but  has  been  left  in  possession  of 
her  charms  as  a  basis  for  the  artificial  accessories. 


Fig.  9.     Boys'   camp   fire   within   ten   minutes   from   seething   Manhattan 
Island,  at  the  base  of  the  Palisades. 


The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  -i 

THE  SYSTEM  OF  PARK  CAMPS 

Structures  and  Equipment.  There  are  more  than  fifty  so-called 
standard  camps  available  in  the  Park,  constructed  and  operated 
under  the  plans  of  the  Park  Commission.  Most  of  them  consist  of 
a  mess  hall  and  sleeping  cabins,  designed  both  for  proper  sanita- 
tion and  outdoor  comfort,  special  attention  being  given  to  general 
cleanliness,  the  water  supply,  disposal  of  waste,  boat  landings,  and 
swimming  docks.  The  camps  are  established  primarily  to  "  aid 
social  welfare  organizations  to  bring  their  charges  to  the  health- 
giving  out-of-doors  under  most  favorable  conditions."  Commer- 
cialized use  of  Park  privileges  and  property  is  absolutely  prohibited. 
The  capacity  of  each  standard  camp  is  about  seventy-five  persons, 
though  generally  the  number  is  kept  under  the  full  quota,  especially 
in  the  camps  mostly  devoted  to  relief  work,  charitable  outings,  and 
other  eleemosynary  undertakings. 

Services  and  Facilities.  The  scope  of  the  Park  Commission's 
plans  in  the  field  of  standard  camping  may  be  understood  from 
their  announcement  of  readiness  to  supply  without  question  of 
profit  sleeping  cots,  blankets,  enameled  tableware,  groceries,  milk, 
bread,  vegetables,  cooked  meals  delivered  based  on  a  standard  bal- 
anced dietary,  and  transportation  to  and  from  camp  sites.  The 
aims  of  educational  recreation  as  provided  for  by  the  Commission 
include  free  lectures  at  the  camp  centers  (Fig.  14),  camp  libraries 
(Fig.  15),  rowing  at  nominal  cost,  natural  history  exhibits  loaned 
to  camps  without  charge,  concerts,  talks  on  nature,  wild  life,  and 
field  excursions,  moving  pictures  and  health  supervision  by  the 
Commission's  medical  expert.  The  camps  are  mostly  situated 
on  the  lakes,  to  combine  the  wholesome  influence  of  nature's 
best  moods  with  the  healthful  recreations  of  boating  and  swim- 
ming. Behind  the  scene  of  buildings  and  sleeping  tents  there 
impend  the  rocky  wooded  slopes  of  mountain  or  hill,  while 
in  the  foreground  is  the  shimmer  of  water  reflecting  the 
dark  shore-line  of  the  forest  vegetation.  All  these,  however,  are 
merely  the  most  obvious  features  of  the  great  out-of-doors  silently 
ministering  with  unnoticed  efficiency  to  eye  and  ear  and  mind. 


Fig.  10.     A  quiet  hour  in  camp.     The  rustic  mess  hall  at  Camp  Knotsoi'ah 
on   Lake   Stahahe,   or   Carr   Fond. 


Fig.  11.    Boy  Seoul  sal  council  meeting,  on  the  Kan  ahwauke  Chain  of  Lakes. 


The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  33 

Beautiful  wild  flowers  attract  the  interest,  and  butterflies  flit  about 
with  alluring  movements.  How  bracing  and  inspiriting  the  moun- 
tain air!  How  cool  and  enjoyable  the  afternoon  shade!  Does  one 
love  to  hike?  The  woodland  trails  (  Figs.  1  and  16)  are  open  and 
inviting,  either  alongshore  or  upon  hillside.  And  then  the  splash- 
ing, the  wading,  the  rowing,  the  ravenous  appetites  developed,  the 
sleep  during  the  cool  nights !  Two  weeks  of  contact  with  nature  at 
first  hand  amid  such  surroundings  and  under  such  circumstances 
will  surely  leave  impressions  upon  child  life  immeasurable  in  their 
effects  both  physical  and  spiritual,  tending  toward  the  realization 
of  a  richer  experience  in  the  lives  of  those  who  thus  partake  of 
nature's  beneficence. 

SOME   TYPICAL   PALISADES   PARK   CAMPS 

The  greatness  of  the  Palisades  Interstate  Park  in  the  field  of 
healthful  cam])  management  may  be  suggested  by  a  review  of  the 
1918  Camp  Directory. 

Camp  Bee  Hive.  The  Bee  Hive  Camp  is  a  fair  example  of  a 
typical  Park  activity  in  child  welfare.  It  is  not  a  so-called  stand- 
ard camp  in  construction,  but  rather  an  accessory  agency  provided 
by  the  Commission  for  this  purpose.  The  situation  is  ideal  for 
sympathetic  contact  with  nature.  It  is  located  in  the  historic 
Doodletown  Valley  below  the  western  base  of  Dunderberg,  on  a 
little  terrace  that  borders  a  beautiful  brook  murmuring  among 
huge  boulders  and  over  mossy  rocks.  Northward  across  the  Hud- 
son stands  Anthony's  Nose,  a  rugged  mass  of  cliffs  and  woods.  All 
around  the  Bee  Hive  the  forest  harbors  its  choicest  attractions.  To 
this  bit  of  nature  children  are  brought,  through  the  cooperation  of 
a  city  church  with  the  Park  Commission;  for  each  two  weeks  a 
group  of  two  dozen  children  are  cared  for  by  kind  and  competent 
hands,  while  Mother  Nature  adds  her  restful  ministrations  to  the 
novel  experiences  of  simple  country  life.  Fresh  air  and  sunshine, 
cool  breezes  and  shade,  happy  minutes  beside  the  mossy  brook, 
invigorating  influences  everywhere, —  who  can  estimate  the  value 
thus  wrought  into  the  lives  of  the  children? 


The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  35 

American  Guard  Camp.  It  is  interesting  to  consider  some  of 
the  special  cam])  activities  during  the  season  of  1918.  A  specific 
example  is  the  summer  encampment  of  the  American  Guard.  The 
primary  purpose  of  this  camp  is  "to  afford  a.  means  of  reward 
and  recreation  for  the  year-round  faithful  attendance  and  meri- 
torious discharge  of  duty  of  the  enrolled  members  of  the  American 
Guard.  The  purpose  of  the  organization  is  character  building,  tp 
teach  the  boys  by  military  training  (Fig.  17)  the  principles  of 
patriotism,  loyalty  and  obedience,  to  improve  them  physically  and  to 
make  their  minds  alert  and  responsive."  The  Park  Commission,  ip 
harmony  with  its  general  purpose  of  administration,  provides  every 
facility  in  the  way  of  convenient  camp  site,  wrater  supply,  sanitary 
surroundings,  boating  and  swimming  docks,  food  service  with  a 
standard  balanced  dietary,  and  health  supervision.  The  activities 
of  this  camp  are  directed  by  a  regular  daily  program  of  instruction 
and  recreation  arranged  by  the  officers  of  the  American  Guard 
organization.  About  1,500  cadets  are  taken  care  of  here  during 
the  camping  season. 

Globe  Camp.  Quite  another  type  of  camp  activity  is  that  of  the 
Globe  on  Lake  Stahahe,  where  150  little  undernourished  boys  an' 
kept  each  two  weeks  under  the  supervision  of  the  Association  for 
Improving  the  Condition  of  the  Poor.  There  the  chief  desideratum 
for  these  youngsters  is  a  change  of  living  for  two  weeks  from  street 
and  tenement  surroundings  to  the  healthful-  invigorating  environ- 
ment of  lake  and  woods,  where  the  children  can  revel  in  a  new 
experience,  a  Avealth  of  fresh  air  and  cool  water,  with  bird-notes 
sifting  through  the  stirring  foliage,  with  wild  flowers  peeping  from 
bush  and  shrub  and  grass  tuft,  with  butterflies  flitting  by  the  road- 
side and  crickets  chirping  in  the  grasses,  the  air  animate  with 
nature's  sounds,  and  all  the  surroundings  astir  with  life.  Hours 
of  rest  or  romping,  play  or  sleep,  sitting  in  quiet  nooks,  or  walking 
along  the  roads  (Fig.  18)  ;  bathing  in  the  swimming  corrals  in 
care  of  responsible  leaders,  or  paddling  over  the  shimmering  water 
in  quiet  afternoon  or  evening  hours ;  wholesome  food  with  a  stand- 
ard dietary  for  a  season,  and  elementary  notions  of  hygienic  living 
under  healthful  conditions ;  —  these  are  the  needs  provided  for  in 


Fig.  13.     Free  boating  for  40  minutes,  on  Hessian  Lake,  at  Bear  Mountain 
Inn.     Over  100,000  boat  assignments  are  made  annually. 


The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  37 

a  camp  of  this  type,  merest  fundamentals  thai   result  in  physical 
well-being  and  a  wider  outlook  upon  Life. 

The  activities  of  this  Globe  cam])  may  lie  detailed  as  an  example 
of  the  Park  ideals  in  practical  application.  It  is  maintained 
by  the  Association  for  Improving  the  Gondii  ion  of  the  Poor,  in 
cooperation  with  a  metropolitan  daily  newspaper,  the  New  York 
Globe,  as  an  experiment  made  possible  by  the  generous  attitude  of 
the  Park  Commission.  The  beneficiaries  of  this  camp  average 
about  eleven  years  of  age,  selected  from  city  families  where  life  is 
at  a  discount.  A  main  purpose  of  the  experiment  was  to  provide 
an  adequate  ration  of  balanced  Food,  with  suitable  exercises,  under 
conditions  where  nature  might  cooperate  to  the  best  advantage.  At 
seven  a.  m.  sleeping  tents  are  opened  and  cots  and  blankets  aired. 
This  is  followed  by  compulsory  washing  from  the  waist  up.  At 
mess  call  there  is  inspection  of  hands,  faces,  teeth,  and  hair.  After 
breakfast  there  is  camp  duly  in  cleaning  of  tents  and  grounds. 
At  ten  there  are  recreations  of  swimming  and  bathing  at  the  lake 
dock  and  swimming  corrals.  Then  follow  fishing,  rowing,  hiking, 
and  games  •until  lunch  is  served.  After  lunch  there  is  an  hour 
of  compulsory  rest.  The  greater  part  of  the  afternoon  is  given 
to  pleasing  and  healthful  diversions  such  as  hiking,  fishing,  local 
excursions,  and  nature  walks  and  sports.  The  evenings  are  spent 
in  campfire  entertainments. 

Boy  Scout  Camp.  The  activities  of  the  Boy  Scout  Camps  on 
the  Kanahwauke  Lakes  illustrate  the  possibilities  of  the  region  in 
relation  to  woodcraft.  Hiking,  tenting,  rowing,  swimming,  the 
camp-fire,  outdoor  ways  and  means,  the  lore  of  the  enveloping  for- 
est, outing  tricks  and  devices,  the  signs  and  trails  of  the  wildwood, 
wild  flowers  and  native  frees,  the  home  life  of  birds  and  four- 
footed  creatures,  the  stars  by  night,  the  voices  of  nature  by  day 
these  are  the  things  at  least  in  suggestion  that  vitalize  the  days 
spent  in  the  Kanahwauke  camps  by  the  thousands  of  Boy  Scouts 
who  assemble  on  these  lake  shores  during  the  tenting  season.  All 
the  elements  of  boy  scouting,  under  conditions  most  favorable  for 
actual  practice,  are  suggested,  bit  by  bit,  in  the  daily  activities  of  a 
typical  Kanahwauke  camp.    Practical  ideas  about  tents,  camp  sites 


Fig.   14.     A  lecture  to  Boy  Scouts. 


Fig.  15.     A  camp  library  at  Big  Brother  Camp,  Lake  Stahahe,  or  Carr 

Pond. 


The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  39 

and  camp  making,  about  grub  and  mess  kits  and  hike  outfits,  about 
cam])  health  and  sanitation,  arc  here  inculcated  by  the  everyday 
life  and  ordinary  experiences  of  the  youth  under  standard  camp 
arrangements  and  competent  masters.  It  is  in  such  environments, 
with  associations  of  kindred  minds  and  spirits,  that  boys  learn  to 
play  the  game  and  intuitively  develop  the  experience  which  makes 
them  doers  and  leaders  in  times  of  real  emergency.  Such  camp 
life  not  only  tends  to  the  physical  development  of  our  boys,  but 
it  also  stimulates  the  unfolding  of  mental  and  moral  qualities  pro- 
ductive of  a  strength  of  soul  wnich  gives  its  possessor  a  firmer  grasp 
upon  life  and  leads  him  over  the  top  in  every  endeavor. 

THE   PRACTICAL  RESULTS   OF   CAMPING  IDEALS 

In  general  the  camping  ideals  of  the  Park  Commission  have 
made  this  great  out-of-doors  area  serviceable  beyond  all  the  con- 
ventional uses  of  other  so-called  parks. 

Spell  of  Night  in  the  Forest.  Not  only  has  daylight  been 
utilized  in  the  recreational  scheme,  but  darkness  as  well  has  been 
made  the  background  of  camp-fire  and  council-ring,  attractive  with 
evening  discourse,  song,  and  story.  Not  only  the  woods  and  water 
by  day,  but  the  calm  influence  of  the  fire-lit  faces  by  night,  under 
the  stars  and  moon  and  encircling  forest  gloom,  the  sleep  in  the 
environment  of  the  forest's  depths,  the  murmured  gossip  of  the 
brook  near  by,  and  the  unknown  voices  of  the  woods  in  impenetrable 
shadow, —  these  are  a  part  of  the  offerings  rendered  available  in  the 
camp  plans  of  the  Park  Commission.  And  who  can  measure  the 
intangible  results  of  these  nights  in  camp,  in  moral  force  and  soul- 
fiber,  upon  the  hearts  and  minds  of  the  thousands  at  rest  nightly 
during  July  and  August,  in  the  camps  throughout  the  Park? 

Health.  Not  merely  theoretical,  however,  are  the  results  as 
shown  by  the  actual  workings  of  the  camping  department,  for  in 
unnumbered  cases  the  glow  of  health  has  appeared  on  faces  which 
came  to  camp  wan  and  depressed,  and  voices  formerly  mirthless 
have  rung  through  the  mess  hall  with  zest  and  merriment.  It  has 
been  found  that  among  a  group  of  one  hundred  fifty  little  boys, 
undernourished    in    infancy    and    ill-fed    in    childhood    years    of 


F'ig.  16.    Little  campers  on  a  hike  through  the  woods  around  Lake  Stahahe, 

or  Carr  Pond. 


The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  41 

growth,  an  average  gain  of  more  than  two  pounds  per  person  in 
the  two  weeks'  outing  was  recorded,  aside  from  the  incalculable 
benefrl  of  brighter  eyes  and  happier  countenances,  and  a  keener 
glimpse  into  the  coming  day.  When  we  multiply  this  group  of 
hoys  by  four  or  five,  the  full  work  of  the  camping  season,  and  add 
to  it  the  parallel  results  accomplished  by  fifty  other  camps  in  the 
Park,  for  little  tots  just  glimpsing  life's  possibilities,  boy  scouts 
in  vigorous  youth,  and  working  girls  bearing  burdens  a  trifle  too 
heavy,  we  begin  to  comprehend  a  purpose  that  is  at  least  akin  to 
greatness. 

Forests  versus  City  Streets.  In  the  field  of  child  welfare  and 
social  economics,  the  practical  out  workings  of  the  Park  camp  ideals 
attain  their  maximum  realization  in  the  group  of  activities  on 
Carr  Pond,  or  Lake  Stahahe.  These  represent  the  utilization  of 
outdoor  influences,  coupled  with  suggestive  and  directive  daily 
exercises,  to  curb  and  counteract  tendencies  of  other  environments 
which  tail  to  promote  the  ultimate  good  of  these  juvenile  elements 
of  society.  The  beneficiaries  of  some  of  these  camps  come  from 
homes  devoid  of  vision  and  lacking  in  capacity  for  uplift,  from 
tenement,  street,  and  curb,  from  shop  and  factory,  from  want  and 
privation  and  neglect.  Here  in  the  fresh,  green  out-of-doors  these 
plastic  young  lives  or  wearied  older  minds  are  given  impressions 
of  something  better  than  they  have  yet  known,  glimpses  of  things 
around  and  beyond  and  above.  Each  of  the  boys  of  the  Brooklyn 
Industrial  Camp,  leaving  the  Park,  carries  away  something  of  a 
broader  outlook  and  a  truer  purpose  for  the  future.  Each  of  the 
one  hundred  fifty  little  boys  marching  from  the  Globe  Camp  every 
two  weeks  shows  a  distinct  gain  for  youthful  citizenship.  Every 
lad  enjoying  the  hospitality  of  Big  Brother  Camp  for  two  weeks 
represents  a  finer  sense  of  life's  relations  and  obligations  going 
forth  to  exert  a  leavening  influence  for  good.  So  here  and  there, 
in  one  camp  and  another,  whether  the  aims  are  social,  civic,  char- 
itable, or  educational,  there  result  unmeasured  gains  in  physical 
fitness,  renewal  of  strength,  and  the  rest  of  body  and  mind  that 
follows  a  well-directed  change  from  depressing  conditions.  And 
what  of  the  mental  and  moral  results  ?    Impossible  it  is  to  estimate 


The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  43 

the  aggregate  of  all  the  impressions  of  associations  that  stir  the 
dull  soul  and  arouse  the  dormant  personality;,  or  to  number  the 
concepts  of  new  forces  and  influences  that  prompt  to  effort  and 
incite  to  nobler  living,  as  experienced  by  the  boys  and  girls  of  the 
Carr  Pond  camps,  the  elders  of  the  Yorkville  Social  Settlement 
Camp  on  Cedar  Pond,  the  boys  of  the  scouting  centers  on  Kanah- 
wauke  Lakes,  or  the  tenants  of  any  of  these  shores  and  woods  dur- 
ing the  camping  days  of  July  and  August. 

Education  in  Conservation.  Not  the  least  in  importance  of 
the  results  of  the  Park  camping  activities  is  the  suggestion  of  the 
proper  conservation  of  these  public  resources  and  utilities,  and  of 
the  valuable  opportunity  of  educating  the  public  in  the  use  of  this 
resource.  The  wild  flowers  are  a  part  of  the  great  environment, 
not  to  be  plucked  and  destroyed,  but  to  be  enjoyed  in  their  wild 
fragrance  and  beauty  as  nature's  unselfish  offerings  for  all  who 
chance  to  pass  that  way.  The  springs  of  water  are  not  to  be  con- 
taminated and  befouled,  for  further  along  their  courses  may  be 
those  who  look  to  these  sources  for  water  pure  and  invigorating. 
The  trees  are  not  to  be  mutilated  or  injured,  because  other  campers 
and  visitors  will  expect  to  enjoy  the  woods  another  season,  and 
crippled  objects  of  nature  are  as  unsightly  as  blemished  specimens 
of  humanity.  These  are  some  of  the  lessons  learned  in  the  wood- 
land camps,  that  birds  and  flowers,  trees  and  springs,  insects  and 
curious  creeping  things,  the  toads  and  dragonflies,  yes,  even  the 
woodchucks  and  garter  snakes,  are  all  objects  for  the  thoughtful 
consideration  of  inquiring  boys  and  girls,  as  well  as  adults,  as 
things  for  outdoor  study  and  observation. 

CONCLUSIONS 

In  conclusion  we  revert  to  our  introductory  affirmation  that  this 
is  the  greatest  camping  park  in  the  world.  It  is  great  in  the  fact 
that  it  contains  the  majestic  Palisades,  the  magnificent  Henry 
Hudson  Drive,  and  the  forested  heart  of  the  Hudson  Highlands. 
It  is  great  in  its  wealth  of  scenic  beauties,  its  extent  of  wooded 
hills,  its  green  amphitheatres  and  shimmering  lakes,  its  stretches 
of  native  woodland.    It  is  great  in  its  camps  and  its  playgrounds, 


The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  45 

in  all  its  arrangements  and  equipments  for  healthful  recreation 
with  inspiring  environment.  11  is  .ureal  in  its  organization  and 
administration  of  the  plans  carrying  its  ideals  into  everyday  prac- 
tice. Finally,  it  is  great  in  its  accomplishment  of  a  huge  experi- 
ment, whereby  a  great  public  stewardship  gives  to  the  people  a 
pleasure-ground  replete  with  modern  facilities,  and  managed  solely 
lor  the  good. of  the  people. 


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SOCIAL  ASPECTS  OF  PARK  ADMINISTRATION 

Edward  F.  Brown 


ACQUISITION  OF  THE  PARK 

Palisades,  Past  and  Present.  Robert  Juet,  Master  of  the  Half 
Moon,  who  kept  the  Journal  of  the  voyage  of  Henry  Hudson, 
wrote  in  1609  as  his  historic  bark  neared  Wee-awken*  (the  New- 
Jersey  shore  opposite  Forty-second  street,  New  York  City),  "This 
morning  at  our  first  rode  in  the  river,  there,  came  eight  and  twentie 
canoes  full  of  men,  women  and  children." 

It  is  more  than  three  hundred  years  since  Hudson  sailed  up  the 
river  which  now  bears  his  name.  If,  during  the  summer,  you  were 
to  ride  on  any  of  the  boats  which  glide  gracefully  through  these 
same  placid  waters,  you  would  find  just  a  little  north  of  the  spot 
described  by  Juet  many  more  than  eight  and  twenty  canoes  filled 
with  men,  women  and  children  on  the  subjacent  shores  of  the 
towering  Palisades. 

Happily,  the  adventuresome  spirit  which  led  Hudson  and  his 
crew  of  brave  men  to  the  New  World  is  not  dead.  The  primitive 
instinct  of  the  play-starved  masses  in  New  York,  seeking  an  outlet 
for  their  sorely-tried  nerves,  seeks  to-day  these  same  shores  in 
canoes,  to  find  rest,  adventure  and  recreation  (Fig.  19).  It  is 
indeed  a  strange  sight  to  see  across  the  river  from  seething'  Man- 
hattan some  of  the  same  majestic  headlands  on  which  the  wonder- 
ing and  expectant  Hudson  gazed,  with  its  brightly  painted  canoes 
at  their  feet. 

To-day  the  lower  portion  of  the  west  bank  of  the  Hudson  pre- 
sents an  illuminating  contrast.  For  miles  we  find  the  irregular  and 
squalid  docks  behind  which  factories  rear,  to  belch  forth  smoke, 
noise  and  confusion.  Suddenly  this  ugly  sight  comes  to  an  end, 
and  the  imposing  rocky  embattlements  rise  in  their  pristine 
splendor.     Here  the  Palisades  Interstate  Park  begins. 


*  Rocks  that  look  like  trees. 

[47] 


48         The  New  York  Stale  College  of  Forestry 

Viewed  from  a  distance  the  Palisades  form  a  series  of  mighty 
Ledges  along  the  western  shore  of  the  Hudson,  towering  aloft  as 
almosl  perpendicular  masses  of  gray  rock  (Fig.  20)  adorned  with 
dark  green  forest.  In  reality,  however,  the  Palisades  comprehend 
a  range  of  gigantic  stone  headlands,  facing  the  river,  extending 
hack  toward  the  open  and  level  country  with  an  average  depth  of 
considerably  more  than  a  mile,  and  sloping  landward  in  a  system 
of  irregular  and  broken  terraces,  all  this  forming  a  natural  park- 
like domain  altogether  unique  in  American  scenery.  It  is  the  New 
Jersey  portion  of  this  formation  that  gives  its  name  to  the  Pali- 
sades Interstate  Park. 

Conservation  of  the  Famous  Palisades  Cliffs.  The  genesis 
of  the  Palisades  Interstate  Park  is  to  be  found  in  the  conservation 
movement.  It  had  its  beginnings  in  1895,  when  these  ancient  cliffs, 
which  for  twelve  miles  fringe  the  west  shore  of  the  Hudson,  were 
fast  being  destroyed  by  the  quarrying  of  trap  rock.  It  was  then 
that  a  group  of  public-spirited  citizens  petitioned  the  Legislature  of 
New  Jersey  for  the  reservation  of  this  section,  first  as  a  military 
fortification  and  later  as  a  natural  park.  That  it  stands  to-day  like 
an  oasis  in  the, labyrinth  of  factories  and  dwellings  which  surround 
it  on  all  sides,  is  a  splendid  example  of  what  was  made  possible 
by  staying  the  hand  of  the  quarry  interests  at  their  work  of 
despoliation. 

It  is  no  wonder  that  the  wild  grandeur  of  these  rugged  head- 
lands has  been  conserved  by  legal  enactments  to  serve  as  the  basis 
of  rational  and  inspirational  recreation  and  its  preservation  for  a 
higher  use. 

Recreational  Value  of  the  Palisades.  The  river  frontage 
offers  the  inducements  of  beach,  wooded  shore-line,  inviting  cover 
or  scenes  of  expansive  outlook,  framed  in  by  the  gray  and  green  of 
looming  cliffs  behind.  Here  the  tourist  party  finds  the  openings 
of  narrow  ravines,  where  falling  water  invites  to  rest  and  seclusion 
under  the  shadow  of  ledges  which  impend  half  a  thousand  feet 
above  the  roadway  (Fig.  21).  Trails  and  foot-paths  lead  upward  in 
zigzag  courses  from  terrace  to  terrace,  opening  ever  widening  views 
across  and  beyond  the  winding  river.    Gool  and  shaded  beaches  allure 


Fig.  20.     The  Englewood  approach,  looking  down  from  the  cliffs  upon  the 
lagoon,  showing  the  headlands  and  the  wide  expanse  of  the  Hudson. 


50         The  Neiv  York  State  College  of  Forestry 

willi  the  attractions  of  bathing,  camping,  or  loitering,  with  choice 
bits  of  nature's  handiwork  ever  ready  to  impress  the  attentive  eye. 
Over  the  sloping  rock  surfaces  (Fig.  1)  the  forest  has  extended  its 
sway,  with  its  wealth  of  wildwood  offerings,  densely  wooded  ledges, 
rugged  ravine  thickets,  open  sylvan  terraces,  or  jutting  promon- 
tories of  rock  with  dizzying  edges  peering  from  the  trees  upon  the 
expanse  below.  This  is  the  Palisades  section  of  the  Park,  twelve 
miles  of  the  most  beautiful  portion  of  the  lower  Hudson's  western 
shore,  which  serves  as  nature's  contribution  to  a  system  of  docks, 
pavilions,  playgrounds,  and  other  recreation  centers  created  for  the 
people  by  a  purpose  in  Park  administration  altogether  unique  and 
unconventional. 

It  is  here  that  there  has  just  been  erected  one  of  the  largest 
bathhouses  in  the  country,  capable  of  accommodating  2,000  persons 
(Fig.  22).  The  building  is  made  of  the  rock  cut  from  the  base  of 
the  cliffs,  and  is  altogether  consonant  with  the  natural  surround- 
ing. It  nestles  modestly  at  the  foot  of  the  headlands  to  the  north 
of  which  a  500-foot  artificial  beach  was  made. 

The  Harriman  Park  Benefaction.  The  State  of  New  York 
purchased  a  170-acre  tract  of  land  between  West  Point  and  Tomp- 
kins Cove,  New  York,  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a  penitentiary  to 
relieve  crowded  Sing  Sing.  The  citizens  of  Highland  Falls,  just 
north  of  the  proposed  prison  site,  objected  to  the  location,  and  sub- 
sequently the  land  was  turned  over  to  the  Palisades  Interstate  Park 
for  a  public  park.  To  commemorate  this  transfer,  and  as  a  part  of 
a  general  preconceived  plan,  a  group  of  prominent  people  gathered 
on  a  rugged  plateau  at  the  base  of  Bear  Mountain  on  October  29, 
1910.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  opening  addresses,  Mr.  W.  Averell 
Harriman,  now  one  of  the  commissioners,  arose  and  said :  "In 
accordance  with  a  long  cherished  plan  of  my  father  (E.  H.  Harri- 
man) to  give  to  the  State  of  New  York  for  the  use  of  the  people 
a  portion  of  the  Arden  Estate,  and  acting  in  behalf  of  my  mother, 
I  now  present  to  the  Commissioners  of  the  Palisades  Interstate 
Park  the  land  comprising  the  gift.  I  also  hand  you  my  mother's 
contribution  to  the  expense  of  future  development  of  the  Harriman 
Park.  It  is  her  hope  and  mine  that,  through  all  the  years  to  come, 
the  health  and  happiness  of  future  generations  will  be  advanced  by 


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Fig.  21.     El  Capitan,  near  Forest  View,  in  the  Palisades  region;  one  of  the 

striking  landmarks. 


52         The  Neiv  York  State  College  of  Forestry 

these  gifts."  With  this  Mr.  Harriman  handed  to  Mr.  George  W. 
Perkins,  who,  as  Chairman  of  the  Palisades  Park  Commission  for 
nearly  two  decades,  has  been  the  active  and  inspiring  leader  in  this 
work,  a  deed  to  10,000  acres  of  land  and  checks  amounting  to 
$1,000,000. 

Thus  lias  the  plan  of  housing  criminals  in  this  beautiful  region 
of  the  Hudson  Highlands  been  abandoned,  while  the  little  prisoners 
of  the  shims,  ibe  sad-eyed  and  sallow-cheeked  children  (Fig.  26), 
have  been  brought  to  the  great  out-of-doors  to  gather  new  strength 
and  inspiration  for  the  struggle. 

Here,  at  this  abandoned  prison  site,  lies  the  central  portion  of 
the  Park,  which  is  composed  of  the  Bear  Mountain  region  and  the 
Harriman  Park  area,  forested  hills,  lakes  and  limpid  mountain 
brooks,  all  threaded  and  intersected  by  a  system  of  roads,  making 
every  portion  of  the  region  accessible  to  campers,  visitors  and 
tourists. 

The  Bear  Mountain  locality,  with  its  commodious  Inn  (Fig.  12), 
offering  a  commanding  outlook  upon  Anthony's  Nose  and  Dunder- 
berg  Hill,  constitutes  a  scenic  feature  rivalling  many  of  the  Alpine 
hostelries,  and  equalling  the  effect  produced  in  the  Glacier  National 
Park  and  Yellowstone  National  Park  by  the  mountain  chalets  in 
picturesque  situations.  The  views  of  the  Hudson  at  Bear  Moun- 
1a in  are  magnificent,  and  the  neighboring  steeps  are  grand  and 
inspiring. 

PIONEERING  IN  PUBLIC  PARK  ADMINISTRATION 

It  is  in  its  unusual  conception  of  administration  that  the  Pali- 
sades Park  is  unique,  and  will  stand  for  many  years  as  a  great 
experiment  in  the  social  utilization  of  public  parks.  These  prin- 
ciples might  be  summarized  as  follows: 

Park  Installs  and  Administers  All  Facilities.  All  the  con- 
struction work  in  the  Park  is  carried  on  by  the  Commission's 
own  force;  its  roads,  buildings,  lakes  are  mapped  out  by  its  own 
engineers.  While  at  first  this  system  strikes  one  as  sound,  in 
that  it  seeks  to  eliminate  the  profit  motive  of  commercial  con- 
tractors, a  system  fraught  with  a  tradition  of  graft,  favoritism, 


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54         The  New   York  State  College  of  Forestry 

and  inefficiency,  there  is  another  higher  and  deeper  motive  which 
commits  the  Commission  to  this  principle;  that  is,  the  Park  is 
constantly  experimenting  in  untried  fields,  and  it  seeks,  in  addition 
to  the  economic  advantage  of  doing  its  own  constructive  work,  to 
maintain  a  flexibility  which  will  leave  it  free  to  change  its  plans 
as  newer  needs  develop.  Thus  there  is  constantly  employed  a  staff 
of  workers  who  have  to  their  credit  such  notable  achievements  as 
the  Seven  Lakes  Drive,  the  Bear  Mountain  Inn,  the  Hazard's 
Beach  Bath  House,  the  enlargement  of  the  lakes  in  the  Park,  etc.,— 
all  under  the  direction  of  an  ingenious  engineer,  Mr.  William  A. 
Welch,  now  General  Manager  of  the  Park. 

It  is  a  disappointment  to  those  interested  in  the  rational  develop- 
ment of  pttblic  playgrounds  to  have  to  see  that  in  most  of  the  public 
parks  such  facilities  as  restaurants,  baths,  and  other  accommoda- 
tions required  for  the  enjoyment  of  the  public  are  let  out  to 
commercial  concessionaries.  Naturally,  the  prime  motive  is  one 
of  profit  and,  while  it  is  true  that  a  measure  of  control  is  exercised 
by  park  administrators,  the  profit  motive  is  uppermost,  and  thus 
the  fundamental  principle  is  unsound. 

The  Palisades  Park  with  one  stroke,  definite  and  uncompromis- 
ing, established  the  principle  of  no  commercial  concessions.  It 
bases  this  principle  on  the  solid  ground  that  if  a  public  park  is 
maintained  for  the  enjoyment  of  the  public,  the  facilities  indis- 
pensable to  a  maximum  enjoyment  must  be  free  from  exploitation 
and  must  be  part  and  parcel  of  the  park  organization,  just  as  the 
tree  that  shades  the  visitor  or  the  lawn  on  which  little  children 
play.  Thus  the  Bear  Mountain  Inn,  a  public  restaurant,  supplies 
food  at  moderate  cost  to  Park  visitors.  In  three  years  approxi- 
mately $500,000  worth  of  food  has  been  sold.  During  the  summer 
of  1919  over  1,100,000  sales  were  made  by  the  Bear  Mountain 
Inn. 

During  1919,  over  41,000  persons  used  the  new  Hazard  Bath 
House,  of  whom  29,366  paid  from  ten  to  twenty-five  cents  for 
towels,  etc.,  while  12,044  used  the  place  without  service  and  there- 
fore without  charge. 

A  transportation  service,  which  seeks  to  take  people  who  would 
be  unable  otherwise  to  motor  into  the  interior  of  the  Park,  trans- 
ported nearly  200,000  passengers  during  1919. 


The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  55 

Thus  the  commercial  concessionaire,  with  his  profit  itch,  finds 
little  comfort  in  the  Palisades  Park,  and  if  this  Park's  experience 
in  the  principle  of  administration  is  an  indication  of  what  would 
happen  in  other  public  parks,  it  is  hoped  that  it  will  have  the 
desired  cll'cct  of  removing  the  commercial  aspecl  from  the  means 
by  winch  the  public  enjoys  its  parks. 

Fullest  Use  of  Park  Resources.  Another  sound  principle  of 
public  park  administration  is  to  be  found  in  the  Commission's 
policy  of  utilizing,  so  far  as  practicable  and  economical,  its  own 
resources  in  the  development  of  its  facilities.  Thus  the  Hazard 
Bath  House  is  built  from  the  rock  cut  from  the  face  of  the  cliffs; 
posts  which  support  its  upper  story  come  from  the  dead,  chestnut 
in  the  Park  forest:  the  lumber  is  sawed  in  the  Park  mill;  while  all 
material  is  transported  by  the  Park  trucks. 

The  hundreds  of  boats  on  Hessian  Lake  are  built  by  the  Com- 
mission's carpenters,  and  the  tables  and  benches  in  the  groves  are 
made  by  its  own  staff. 

Two  sound  reasons  are  apparent  for  this  principle: 

1.  It  is  economical  in  that  it  makes  unnecessary  the  dependence 
on  the  market  for  supplies,  a  market  which  fluctuates;  and 

2.  It  enables  the  Commission  to  supply  work  to  its  staff  during 
the  winter  months,  thus  maintaining  the  morale  of  its  workers  and 
making  unnecessary  the  frequent  changes  so  common  in  seasonal 
work  in  a  park  used  largely  in  the  summer. 

Wastes  Utilized  for  Public  Benefits.  Merely  as  indicative  of 
its  policy  of  economic  administration,  let  me  cite  some  interesting 
instances  of  conservation  employed  by  the  Palisades  Park.  Orig- 
inally there  was  no  land  to  speak  of  at  the  base  of  the  Palisades. 
Thus  the  Palisades  for  twelve  miles  was  more  or  less  a  bit  of 
scenery  to  be  enjoyed  by  the  eye  alone.  The  Commission  found  it 
possible  to  make  considerable  land  by  filling  out  into  the  Hudson 
Pliver  without  destroying  the  natural  scenery.  Huge  playgrounds 
were  thus  laid  out,  as  at  Forest  View.  This  filling-in  process  con- 
sisted chiefly  of  sinking  old  canal  barges  loaded  with  ballast,  and 
laying  on  top  of  them  the  sweepings  of  New  York  streets,  which, 


56         The  New  York  State  College  of  Forestry 

of  course,  are  to  be  had  without  cost.  Thus  wo  owe  a  good  deal  of 
this  land  to  the  sired  sweepings  of  New  York!  This  is,  of  course, 
subsequently  topped  with  soil  and  seeded. 

In  order  to  maintain  an  architecture  consonant  with  the  wood- 
land, the  sleeping  cabins  and  mess  halls  built  for  camps  are  finished 
with  the  slabs  from  the  logs.  Ordinarily  the  slab  is  a  waste  product 
of  the  mill,  but  here  it  is  used  as  a  substitute  for  dressed  lumber 
and  to  beautify  the  building. 

The  ice  on  the  lakes  of  the  Park  during  the  winter  is  harvested 
by  the  Park  staff  and  placed  in  ice-houses  built  on  the  lakes,  which 
supplies  the  summer  needs  of  the  camps  and  restaurants  with  ice. 

A  TiOO-foot  beach  was  made  at  the  Hazard  Path  House  from  the 
screenings  of  stone  quarries,  a  waste  product  for  which  nothing  is 
paid.  It  makes  a  line  beach,  is  procured  by  the  barge  load,  and 
thus  another  ordinarily  waste  by-product  of  an  industrial  plant  is 
utilized  by  the  Park. 

Sound  Finances  and  Park  Administration.  It  is  easy  for  a 
group  of  public-spirited  men,  such  as  constitute  the  Palisades  Inter- 
slate  Park  Commission,  to  go  too  far  in  its  ministrations,  and  to 
create  a  lack  of  appreciation  in  the  facilities  afforded  by  reason  of 
a  too  liberal  policy  of  use.  Even  this  has  been  anticipated,  for, 
through  a  system  of  extremely  moderate  charges  for  many  of  its 
facilities,  the  Commission  hopes  some  day  to  be  able  to  make  its 
revenue-producing  activities  support  the  whole  Park  project. 
While  this  is  an  ambitious  program,  as  an  ideal  it  is  to  be  striven 
for,  because  the  Palisade's  Park,  in  addition  to  making  the  widest 
use  possible  of  its  resources  and  facilities,  has  a  definite  financial 
program  with  which  to  carry  it  forward,  not  only  to  benefit  those 
who  come  to  enjoy  its  advantages,  but  also  to  relieve  the  State  of  the 
burden  of  maintaining  a  public  park,  through  ignoring  the  reason- 
able and  proper  revenues  which  may  be  derived  from  its  use. 


The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  57 

CENTRALIZATION,   COORDINATION   AND  EFFICIENCY   IN 
PARK  ADMINISTRATION 

Certain  problems  are  alike  in  all  the  camps.     Food,  for  example, 

must  be  supplied.  In  order  to  keep  the  expenses  of  the  individual 
camps  down  to  the  lowest  level,  the  Commission  undertook  to  act 
as  commissariat.  With  its  transportation  system,  its  large  pur- 
chasing power,  its  experts,  it  finds  it  possible  to  purchase  food  for 
less  money  than  it  is  possible  for  individual  organizations,  most  of 
them  small,  to  procure  the  same  food.  Thus  a  storehouse,  located 
near  Bear  Mountain,  where  cheap  water  transportation  is  available, 
is  stocked  with  staple  foods  which,  on  a  few  hours'  notice,  can  be 
delivered  to  any  camp. 

Hot  Meals  Delivered  to  Camps.  In  order  to  make  uniform  the 
food  supplied  to  the  children,  and  particularly  to  assure  itself  that 
each  child  gets  an  adequate  amount  of  nutritious  food  properly 
balanced,  the  Commission  supplies  camps  with  cooked  food  deliv- 
ered to  the  camp  in  heat-retaining  receptacles  (Fig.  23).  The  cost 
of  twenty-one  meals  per  week  delivered  was  $4.00  in  ID  19.  How 
this  is  done  forms  an  interesting  chapter  in  a  novel  scheme. 

Bear  Mountain  Inn  is,  like  most  summer  refreshment  stations, 
used  chiefly  on  Saturdays  and  Sundays.  The  demand  for  service 
on  those  days,  however,  is  so  great  that  it  makes  essential  the  main- 
tenance of  a  staff  throughout  the  week,  which  is  only  partially 
occupied.  In  order  to  utilize  to  the  maximum  the  spare  time  of 
this  stall',  and  reduce  to  a  minimum  the  overhead  charge  at  the 
Inn,  it  was  found  that  the  staff  at  the  Inn  could  do  the  wholesale 
cooking  for  the  camps.  This  insures  uniformity  of  quality  and 
rationing.  It  also  supplies  a  safety  valve  for  the  days  when  rain 
leaves  vast  quantities  of  food  on  hand,  with  no  visitors  to  consume 
it.  This  food  is  then  sent  to  the  camps,  so  that  sometimes  the  sur- 
prised camp  master  finds  roast  chicken  as  part  of  the  menu  sup- 
plied at  the  amazingly  low  sum  of  $4.00  a  week  for  twenty-one 
meals.  This  food  cooked  in  large  quantities  is  placed  in  heat- 
retaining  receptacles  and  sent  to  the  camps  hot  and  fresh.  Thus 
last  summer  over  150,000  meals  were  served  with  a  regularity  cer- 
tainly equal  to  that  of  the  uncertain  temperamental  household 


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cook.    Most  of  the  camps  in  the  Park  have  taken  advantage  of  this 
system,  finding  therein  these  advantages: 

1.  More  and  better  food  is  supplied  at  less  money  than  if  a 
kitchen  were  established  in  each  camp. 

2.  Uniformity  of  quality  and  scientific  balancing. 

3.  Uncertainty  of  the  securing  and  employment  of  cooks  elimi- 
nated. 

4.  Avoids  inevitable  waste  in  small  kitchens. 

5.  More  time  and  greater  opportunity  to  camp  directors  for  the 
constructive  educational  work  in  a  camp. 

Cooperative  Health  Activities.  Another  activity  common  to 
all  the  camps  is  that  of  the  health  of  the  camp  population.  The 
Palisades  Park  employed  a  doctor  who  visited  the  cooperating  camps 
each  day,  (a)  to  examine  the  children  in  order  particularly  to 
avoid  the  spread  of  any  disease;  (b)  to  give  treatment  to  those 
needing  the  same;  (c)  to  inspect  the  sanitary  aspects  of  the  camp 
(Fig.  25). 

The  camps  paid  an  average  of  $1.00  per  month  per  child  for  this 
service. 

Thus  again  the  Park,  through  centralization,  makes  available  to 
all  the  camps  a  medical  service  which  most  of  the  camps  would  be 
unable  to  afford  for  their  camp  alone.  In  addition,  the  doctor 
delivered  lectures  on  health,  thus  making  a  child's  vacation  in  the 
Palisades  Park  mean  something  in  terms  of  normal  growth,  edu- 
cation, and  character. 

Transportation.  In  order  to  make  it  possible  for  those  with  the 
least  of  life's  goods  to  come  into  the  Park,  the  Commission  has 
arranged  a  standard  transportation  rate  of  $1.50  (1919  rate) 
from  the  boat  landing  in  New  York  to  any  camp  in  the  Park 
and  return  (Fig.  29).  This  involves  in  each  case  a  ninety- 
mile  return  boat  ride,  and  from  ten  to  thirty-four  miles  return 
automobile  ride.  This  low  transportation  rate  is  made  possible 
only  by  reason  of  the  surplus  from  the  rates  charged  to  the  general 
public  for  sight-seeing  trips.  On  certain  days  (Saturday,  Sunday 
and  holidays)  all  the  omnibuses  of  the  Commission  are  reserved 


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The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  61 

for  the  thousands  who  go  on  visits  to  various  points  in  the  Park, 
and  for  which  they  pay  a  rate  which  leaves  enough  to  pay  the 
deficii   in  the  campers'  transportation.     This  does  not  mean  thai 

the  sight-seeing  rales  are  exorbitant,  or  even  high. 

EDUCATIONAL   ASPECTS   OF   PARK   UTILIZATION 

Conservation   Education   through   Contact  with   Nature. 

Sometimes  we  are  apt  to  grow  discouraged  as  untaught  and 
irreverenl  vandal  hands  are  laid  on  the  growing  things  in  the  forest. 
For  every  thoughtless  person  who  thus  misuses  our  parks,  there 
must  be  thousands  who,  through  contact,  come  to  love  the  growing 
things,  and  learn  to  protect  them. 

The  hundreds  of  thousands,  and  if  I  said  millions  I  should  be 
correct,  of  citizens  who  have  visited  the  Park,  most  of  whom  have 
carried  away  some  idea  of  the  need  of  conservation  of  natural 
resources;  the  thousands  of  children  who  have  come  to  know  the 
definition  of  trees  or  grass  as  something  more  than  things  sur- 
rounded by  rails  with  a  '"Keep  off  the  Grass"  sign  displayed,  con- 
stitute a  vital  educational  force  in  the  community  which  is  not  to 
he  underestimated.  The  appropriate  hooks  which  are  supplied 
stimulate  interest  in  the  outdoor  world  (Pig.  15). 

In  this  connection  it  is  interesting  to  observe  that  the  Palisades 
Park  administration  has  a  definite  educational  ideal  in  mind. 

Traveling  Natural  History  Exhibits.  In  cooperation  with 
the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History,  a  number  of  traveling 
exhibits,  such  as  birds,  trees,  minerals,  etc.,  with  accompanying 
leaflets,  are  sent  for  a  week's  stay  at  each  camp. 

Bird  Walks.  "Bird  Walks"  were  inaugurated  in  the  summer 
of  1918.  Small  groups  of  camp  residents  go  through  the  woods  to 
gel  a  first-hand  acquaintance  with  birds,  their  names,  habits,  and 
calls,  under  the  direction  of  an  experienced  leader. 

Field  Excursions.  These  were  inaugurated  by  the  natural  his- 
tory survey  party  of  the  State  College  of  Forestry.  Excursions 
were  devoted  to  fish,  but  will  probably  be  extended  to  other  aspects 
of  nature  (Fig.  24). 


62         The  New  York  State  College  of  Forestry 

Lectures.  Lectures,  with  lantern  slides,  are  given  periodically 
in  each  camp. 

Music.  Concerts  are  held  regularly.  Prominent  artists  have 
come  bo  the  Park  for  this  purpose. 

Thus  a  vacation  in  a  Park  camp  comes  to  mean  something  more 
than  "  a  good  time."  It  cannot  be  but  that  many  of  the  wretched, 
broken  lives  of  the  children  of  the  city  have  been  softened  by  their 
stay  amid  an  environment  of  natural  splendor,  clean  play,  and 
interesting  educational  processes. 

THE  MONEY  VALUE  OF  RECREATION 

Outside  of  the  field  of  commercial  recreation  we  seldom  think  of 
recreation  in  terms  of  its  value  in  money.  We  know,  for  example, 
that  there  is  a  direct  relationship  between  wholesome  recreation 
and  health.  We  also  know  that  the  general  spiritual  tone  of  an 
individual  is  enhanced  through  wholesome  recreation. 

Frank  A.  Waugh,  in  his  recent  pamphlet  on  "  Eecreation  Uses 
on  the  National  Forests"  (IT.  S.  Forest  Service,  1918),  makes  an 
interesting  computation  on  the  value  of  recreation  in  parks.  He 
says  (pp.  25-26)  :  "The  market  value  of  this  body  of  recreation 
can  be  determined  within  reasonable  limits.  Mr.  G.  A.  Parker, 
superintendent  of  parks  in  Hartford,  Conn.,  the  recognized  author- 
ity on  such  matters,  computes  that  park  recreation  as  managed  in 
the  United  States  costs  on  the  average  two  cents  an  hour.  This, 
however,  is  cost,  not  value.  The  human  value  of  an  hour  spent 
in  skating  in  a  city  park  or  fishing  in  a  National  Forest  would  be 
hard  to  estimate;  but  ultimate  human  values  are  seldom  estimated 
in  dollars  and  cents.  Our  usual  figures  indicate  merely  commer- 
cial values,  i.  e.,  market  prices.  Now  the  commercial  value  or 
market,  price  of  recreation  is  determinable  quite  as  easily  and 
exactly  as  the  price  of  beans  or  books  or  tobacco.  Enormous  quan- 
tities of  recreation  are  daily  bought  and  sold  in  the  open  market, 
and  the  prices  are  as  well  recognized  as  for  any  commodity  of  com- 
merce. The  movies  cost  10  cents  or  15  cents;  the  vaudeville  thea- 
ters cost  25  cents  or  50  cents;  the  ' legitimate  drama'  costs  50 


The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  63 

cents  to  $2  a  hearing;  concerts  cost  from  25  cents  to  $2;  grand 
opera,  $2  to  $5 ;  a  baseball  game  costs  50  cents ;  the  circus  costs  50 
cents  for  the  big  tent,  10  cents  for  the  concert,  and  10  cents  for 
the  side  show. 

"A  moment's  thought  will  show  that  5  cents  an  hour  represents 
the  absolutely  minimum  cost  of  commercialized  recreation.  In 
some  towns  a  person  can  buy  the  mild  entertainment  of  an  hour's 
ride  on  the  street  cars  for  a  nickel.  There  still  are  streets  where 
the  movies  perform  indescribable  rubbish  for  5  cents. 

"  On  the  whole,  however,  it  is  perfectly  clear  that  very  few  and 
very  questionable  forms  of  recreation  are  offered  at  the  price  of  5 
cents  an  hour.  If  we  go  up  to  10  cents  an  hour  the  availabilities 
improve.  The  movies  are  better;  we  can  occasionally  get  into  a 
skating  rink  for  a  dime;  we  can  buy  an  hour's  reading  in  a  cheap 
magazine;  we  can  ride  out  to  the  park  and  back;  or  we  can  get  10 
cents'  worth  of  fishhooks  and  go  fishing.  Our  choice  is  still  most 
restricted. 

"  If  we  seek  a  comparison  with  forms  of  recreation  more  nearly 
like  those  offered  by  the  forests,  our  results  are  less  precise  but  no 
less  convincing.  A  few  men  are  able  to  maintain  private  hunting 
and  fishing  clubs  in  the  Adirondacks,  in  Maine,  or  on  the  Eesti- 
gouche.  The  time  they  pass  at  these  resorts  costs  them  anywhere 
from  $1  to  $10  an  hour.  To  take  a  vacation  at  any  public  seaside 
or  mountain  resort  costs  from  $2  to  $10  a  day. 

"  These  figures,  though  somewhat  sketchy,  are  a  statement  of 
plain  facts.  In  view  of  them  the  following  generalizations  are  self- 
evident  : 

"  1'.  The  minimum  market  cost  to  the  consumer  of  wholesome 
recreation  privately  provided  is  10  cents  an  hour. 

"  2.  The  average  cost  of  commercial  recreation  is  much  higher, 
probably  lying  somewhere  between  25  cents  and  $1  an  hour. 

"  It  ought  to  be  self-evident,  further,  that  the  great  bulk  of  such 
recreation  is  worth  all  it  costs.  If  it  isn't,  the  large  majority  of 
our  whole  population  are  being  daily  robbed  in  their  recreation 
bills.  One  more  premise  hardly  needs  an  argument,  viz.,  that  the 
average  recreation  on  the  National  Forests  is  as  valuable  in  all 
human  ways  as  the  average  of  commercial  recreations." 


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The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  65 

If  we  compute  the  cost  of  the  recreation  had  in  the  Palisades 
Interstate  Park  on  the  foregoing  basis,  it  would  appear  that  with 
52,350  campers  spending  an  average  of  eight  days  each,  and  averag- 
ing their  recreational  hours  at  ten  a  day,  it  would  be  equal  to 
4,188,000  recreational  hours.  At  ten  cents  an  hour  we  have 
$418,800  worth  of  recreation  in  the  camps  alone. 

The  624,024  people  who  visited  Bear  Mountain  averaged  five 
hours,  or  the  equivalent  of  3,105,120  recreational  hours.  At  ten 
cents  an  hour  this  is  equivalent  to  $310,512. 

The  458,415  people  who  spent  an  average  of  seven  hours  in  the 
Palisades  Interstate  Park  region  during  1918  aggregated  3,208,005 
recreational  hours,  which,  at  ten  cents  an  hour,  is  equivalent  to 
$320,890. 

Thus  we  have  a  total  money  value  of  $1,050,202  for  recreation, 
which  the  Palisades  Interstate  Park  yielded  to  its  visitors. 

NATIONAL  VITALITY  AND  RECREATION  —  A  SUMMARY 

The  great  conflict  just  ended  has  reduced  the  national  vitality, 
and  indicated  the  need  for  health  promotion  as  a  national  asset. 
Recreation,  which  inures  to  health,  and  cooperative  play,  which  is 
the  seed  of  fair  play  among  men,  have  a  definite  and  not-to-be- 
ignored  place  in  the  program  of  reconstruction.  Too  often,  as 
Frank  A.  YVaugh  has  aptly  put  it  in  his  "Recreation  Uses  on  the 
National  Forests,"  great  national  preserves  are  considered  valuable 
only  in  their  productivity  of  lumber.  They  must  be  vitalized  as 
media  of  health  and  character  building. 

The  rational  use  of  parks  promotes  health,  as  in  the  Palisades 
Park,  through : 

1.  Camps,    such   as    the    Globe    Cam]),   where   undernourished 

children  are  scientifically  cared  for  in  a  scheme  of  remedying  health 
defects  and  preventing  diseases  which  grow  out  of  undeveloped  and 
underdeveloped  bodies. 

2.  Restaurants,  where  wholesome  food  is  sold  at  low  cost. 

3.  Bathing  beaches,  where  healthful  bathing  is  encouraged. 

4.  Canoe  beaches,  where  invigorating  exercises  are  possible. 


GG 


The  New  York  State  College  of  Forestry 


5.  Trails,  where  hiking  through  woods  and  mountains^is  most 
pleasurable  and  profitable. 

6.  Athletic  fields,  made  available  without  charge. 

7.  Education  in  natural  history  in  the  field,  developing  the 
powers  of  observation,  and  promoting  self-reliance. 

These  are  some  of  the  obvious  factors  which  directly  and  indi- 
rectly minister  to  health  and  national  protection,  while  affording 
wholesome  enjoyment  to  the  play-starved  masses. 


Fig.  26.     Some  underfed  tenement  types,  at  the  Globe  camp  in  Harriman 

Park. 


CAMPING  FACILITIES  IN  THE  PALISADES 
INTERSTATE  PARK* 

Edward  F.  Brown 


INTRODUCTION 

Policy  of  the  Commission  Regarding  Group  Camps.     The 

purpose  of  this  paper  is  to  describe  in  detail  the  camping  facilities 
available  in  the  Park  in  order  to  give  the  fullest  information  to 
organizations  contemplating  such  a  venture. 

The  Commissioners  of  the  Palisades  Interstate  Park,  invested 
by  the  Legislatures  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey,  respectively, 
with  the  control  and  management  of  upwards  of  35,000  acres  of 
park  lands  embracing  twelve  miles  of  river  frontage  along  the 
Palisades  of  the  Hudson  and  large  tracts  in  the  Highlands  of  the 
Hudson,  seek  to  make  available  to  public  welfare  organizations  cer- 
tain sites  especially  prepared  for  public  health  and  recreational 
encampments. 

It  is  the  desire  of  the  Commissioners  to  particularly  aid  social 
welfare  organizations  to  bring  their  charges  to  the  health-giving 
out-of-doors  under  most  favorable  conditions.  Thus  city  dwellers, 
especially  those  who  have  little  or  no  opportunity  for  a  summer's 
rest  with  its  recreative  advantages,  may  get  a  chance  to  use  public 
lands  for  this  purpose  in  surroundings  arranged  to  yield  a  maxi- 
mum in  matters  relating  to  health  and  pleasure. 

The  Commissioners  have  established  the  principle  that  camp 
privileges  granted  in  the  Park  may  not  be  used  to  commercialize 
any  phase  of  the  work  or  to  yield  a  profit  to  any  individual  or 
organization.  They  cordially  invite  the  inspection  of  interested 
persons,  and  on  appointment  opportunities  will  be  presented  to 
look  over  the  camp  development  on  the  ground. 


*  Revised  to  date,  November,  1919. 

[67] 


68  The  New  York  State  College  of  Forestry 

Eligible  Organizations.  Social  settlements,  public  school  sys- 
tems, relief,  social,  recreational  and  fraternal  organizations  whose 
aims  are  eleemosynary  and  devoted  to  the  public  welfare,  are 
eligible  to  apply  for  the  use  of  the  Park  lands  for  camp  purposes. 

The  Commission  is  interested  in  aiding  industrial  organizations 
in  the  development  of  camps  for  the  use  of  employees.  There 
appears  to  be  an  increasing  appreciation  on  the  part  of  industrial 
organizations  of  the  social  value  of  such  agencies  as  camps  in  the 
promotion  of  health  and  efficiency.  Ultimately,  it  is  the  plan  of 
the  Commission  to  lay  aside  a  lake,  if  practicable,  to  be  used  exclu- 
sively for  this  type  of  camping.  The  program  for  such  camps  being 
so  different  from  the  program  in  a  camp  for  children,  it  is  thought 
wise  to  bring  them  together  on  one  lake  so  that  the  intercamp 
activities  may  be  developed  to  the  fullest  extent  with  comparable 
groups. 

The  organizations  having  camps  assigned  by  the  Commission 
enter  into  a  form  of  contract  with  the  Commission,  which  contract 
indicates  the  financial  arrangement  and  responsibility.  This  con- 
tract form  may  be  had  on  application  to  the  Camp  Department. 

All  applications,  inquiries  or  special  arrangements  can  be  made 
up  to  May  15,  1919,  to  Edward  F.  Brown,  Superintendent,  Camp 
Department,  Commissioners  of  the  Palisades  Interstate  Park,  61 
Broadway,  New  York,  telephone  Bowling  Green  6875 ;  and  after 
May  15  inquiries  may  be  addressed  to  the  New  York  office,  or  to 
Mr.  Edward  F.  Brown  at  lona  Island,  N.  Y.  Telephone,  Stony 
Point  1. 

AVAILABLE  CAMP  SITES 

Lake  Stahahe  (Carr  Pond).  This  lies  in  the  Eamapo  Hills, 
north  of  Tuxedo  on  the  Erie  Eailroad,  forty-one  miles  from  New 
York  (Fig.  6).  It  is  850  feet  above  tidewater,  two  miles  from 
the  Southfields  Railroad  Station,  and  on  the  main  driveway 
through  Harriman  Park.  Numerous  islands  in  this  lake  afford 
admirable  opportunities  for  fishing,  treasure  hunts,  etc.  This  lake 
will  be  restricted  to  boys'  camps.  Post-office  address,  Southfields. 
N.  Y. 


The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  69 

Lake  Kanahwauke.  This  lies  830  feet  above  tidewater  (Fig. 
4)  and  consists  of  a  chain  of  three  lakes  situated  about  five  miles 
from  Southfields,  New  York,  on  the  Erie  Railroad.  The  location  is 
thirteen  miles  from  Bear  Mountain.  This  chain  of  lakes  is  used 
primarily  for  Boy  Scout  organizations  and  has  been  developed  as 
the  great  Boy  Land  of  the  Park. 

Through  an  arrangement  with  the  Boy  Scouts  of  America  (200 
Fifth  Avenue,  New  York)  the  administration  of  the  Scout  camps 
at  this  point  is  in  the  hands  of  a  Chief  Camp  Master  appointed  by 
the  Boy  Scouts  of  America.  The  applications  for  Scout  camps 
should  be  made  to  the  Boy  Scouts  of  America  direct.  The  organi- 
zation will  then  take  the  matter  up  with  the  Commission  and  when 
the  application  is  approved  by  the  Commission,  camps  will  be 
assigned  in  cooperation  with  the  Boy  Scout  organization.  The 
purpose  of  this  is  to  centralize  the  responsibility  for  the  large  boy 
scout  activities  in  such  a  manner  as  to  make  it  possible  both  for  the 
Boy  Scouts  of  America  and  the  Palisades  Park  Commission  to 
coordinate  its  work  in  the  interest  of  economy  and  efficiency.  Post- 
office,  K.  D.,  Stony  Point,  N.  Y. 

Queensboro  Valley.  This  valley  nestles  amongst  beautiful  hills 
and  permits  of  unlimited  possibilities  in  the  way  of  real  country 
life.  For  the  present  there  is  no  swimming,  however,  immediately 
near  this  location.    Post-office,  Iona  Island,  N.  Y. 

Cedar  Lake.  Here  is  a  300-acre  body  of  water,  1,040  feet  above 
tidewater  and  about  eleven  miles  from  Bear  Mountain.  This  is 
the  "  Lake  in  the  Skies,"  it  being  one  of  the  highest  points  in  the 
Park.  Boating  is  permitted  here,  but  there  will  be  no  swimming 
allowed  for  the  present,  as  this  lake  constitutes  a  water  supply  of  a 
nearby  community.    Post-office,  Iona  Island,  N.  Y. 

Lower  Twin  Lake.  This  lies  880  feet  above  sea  level,  and  is 
situated  in  the  heart  of  the  Highlands.  This  point  is  restricted  to 
camps  for  Girl  Scout  activities.  There  are  some  available  camp 
sites  at  this  point,  reached  via  boat  to  Bear  Mountain,  thence  by 
automobiles  over  the  mountains.    Post-office,  Central  Valley,  N.  Y. 


70         The  New  York  State  College  of  Forestry 

Upper  Twin  Lake.  This  lake  has  just  been  acquired  by  the 
Commission  and  will  ultimately  be  available  for  camps  for  girls 
and  women.  The  Long  Mountain  Eoad,  now  under  construction, 
connecting  the  Central  Valley  region  with  Queensboro  Valley,  will 
bring  the  camps  of  the  Twin  Lake  region  nearly  seventeen  miles 
nearer  the  Bear  Mountain  section.  Post-office,  Central  Valley, 
N.Y. 

Summit  Lake.  This  is  situated  900  feet  above  tidewater.  It 
is  isolated  and  reserved  for  the  present  for  the  activities  of  the 
Young  Women's  Christian  Association.  There  is  boating,  bathing, 
and  all  the  available  sports  of  the  forest.  Post-office,  Central  Val- 
ley, New  York. 

Arden  Brook  Valley  Lakes.  These  two  lakes,  now  in  the 
process  of  formation,  will,  when  completed,  be  available  for  girls' 
camps.     Post-office,  Iona  Island,  N.  Y. 

Hook  Mountain.  This  region  is  especially  accessible  to  the  com- 
munities from  Westchester  points  via  the  Nyack  ferry.  Only  canvas 
encampments  for  the  present  are  possible  at  Hook  Mountain. 

Popolopin  Creek.  The  vicinity  of  this  creek  affords  many 
opportunities  for  canvas  encampments.  It  is  near  Bear  Mountain, 
and  in  the  center  of  the  activities  which  operate  at  this  point. 

Alpine,  the  Palisades.  A  number  of  week-end  camps  have  been 
located  for  some  years  in  the  Palisades  region  in  the  Park,  north 
of  Alpine,  where  only  canvas  encampments  have  been  available. 
For  the  present  there  is  no  further  space  available  in  the  Palisades 
region  of  the  park  for  group  encampments. 

Brooks  Lake,  which  lies  a  little  north  of  Bear  Mountain,  is 
intended  to  supply  the  need  for  individual  camping  in  the  High- 
lands section.  The  proximity  of  Bear  Mountain  Inn  and  the 
recreational  facilities  at  Bear  Mountain  Park  makes  available  for  a 
limited  group  of  individuals  an  excellent  opportunity  for  vacations 
at  a  moderate  cost. 


The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  71 

Rockland  Lake  lies  about  thirty-five  miles  from  New  York  on 
the  main  line  of  the  West  Shore  Eailroad.  For  the  present  it  is 
being  used  as  an  auxiliary  group  camp  section,  and  only  a  limited 
number  of  camps  are  as  yet  available  at  this  point.  No  swimming 
is  allowed  here  for  the  present. 

FORM  OF  APPLICATION  FOR  CAMP  SITES 

Written  applications  for  camp  sites  should  be  addressed  to 
Edward  F.  Brown,  Camp  Department  of  the  Commissioners  of  the 
Palisades  Interstate  Park,  61  Broadway,  New  York  (telephone, 
Bowling  Green  6875).    These  applications  should  state: 

a.  Name  of  organization. 

b.  Name  of  directors  or  trustees. 

c.  Chief  executive  officer  in  charge  of  canrp  arrangements, 
together  with  address  and  telephone  number. 

d.  The  general  purpose  of  the  organization. 

e.  General  description  of  the  group  for  whom  encampment  is 
requested. 

f .  Age  and  sex  of  the  group  to  be  encamped. 

g.  Number  of  councillors  who  will  be  in  charge  of  the  camp. 

h.  What  sum,  if  any,  campers  will  be  required  to  pay  for  accom- 
modation. 

i.  If  there  is  no  charge  to  campers,  what  are  the  conditions  of 
acceptance  of  applicants. 

j.    Date  on  which  camp  is  proposed  to  be  opened, 
k.    Date  on  which  camp  is  proposed  to  be  closed. 

We  are  purposely  omitting  the  filing  of  a  form  application  to 
enable  organizations  to  give  as  much  information  outside  of  the 
outline  stated  above  as  they  may  desire. 

On  receipt  of  applications,  they  will  be  investigated  and  pre- 
sented to  the  Camp  Committee  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  Pali- 
sades Interstate  Park,  consisting  for  New  York  of  Mr.  George 
W.  Perkins,  Mr.  W.  Averell  Harriman,  and  Dr.  Edward  L.  Part- 
ridge; for  New  Jersey,  Mr.  George  W.  Perkins,  Mr.  Frederick  C. 
Sutro,  and  Mr.  Franklin  W.  Hopkins. 


72  The  Neiv  York  State  College  of  Forestry 

STANDARD   CAMP   BUILDINGS   AND   IMPROVEMENTS 

Types  of  Camp  Plants.  To  insure  the  health  and  comfort  of 
campers,  the  commissioners  have  constructed  two  types  of  standard 
camp  plants.  These  types  are  known  as  (a)  detached  sleeping- 
cabin  camp,  (b)  combination  camp. 

The  detached  sleeping  type  camp  includes  a  mess  hall  (Fig.  27) 
lmilt  in  rustic  style  from  chestnut  logs  similar  to  that  shown  in 
Figs.  10  and  14.  It  is  a  40  x  50  weather  proof  building.  One  end 
is  taken  up  by  a  large  open  fireplace,  flanked  on  either  side  by  a 
kitchen  unequipped  except  as  to  sinks 'and  water  connections,  and 
a  storeroom  in  which  there  is  a  built-in  refrigerator.  The  sleeping 
cabins  are  detached  and  accommodate  eight  to  sixteen  persons  each. 

The  combination  type  of  camp,  which  is  especially  adapted  for 
young  children,  consist  of  a  two-story  building.  These  build- 
ings can  be  made  to  accommodate  32.  64  or  100.  The  lower 
portion  of  this  building  comprises  the  dining-room  with  a  large 
open  fireplace,  a  kitchen  and  storeroom.  The  upper  story  is  the 
dormitory,  providing  a  maximum  amount  of  light  and  ventilation. 
This  is  an  ideal  type  of  camp  for  young  children,  making  adminis- 
tration easy  and  requiring  less  assistants  to  manage  than  the 
detached  sleeping  type  with  the  campers  outside  the  main  building. 

Sleeping  Cabins.  As  a  substitute  for  tents,  and  with  a  view  to 
providing  more  durable,  comfortable,  and  economical  sleeping  quar- 
ters, the  Commissioners  have  devised  a  sleeping  cabin  shown  in 
Figure  28.  Cabins  of  this  kind  may  be  built  to  accommodate 
units  of  eight  or  sixteen.  The  sixteen-unit  cabin  is  recommended 
because  of  its  relative  inexpensivenc— .  It  requires  less  super- 
vision than  the  smaller  unit.  It  contains  a  double  bunk  frame 
arrangement  with  plenty  of  room  to  move  about  between  the  row 
of  hunks,  and  ample  space  for  clothing,  etc. 

From  the  standpoint  of  ventilation  these  sleeping  cabins  are 
ideal,  because  the  air  strikes  them  from  all  sides.  The  apertures 
are  provided   with  water-proof  curtains  in  case  of  storm. 

Washing  Facilities.  Washing  facilities  consist  of  a  wash  cabin 
\\  ith  six  to  ten  faucets  of  running  water,  centrally  located  near  the 


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The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  73 

sleeping  cabins  and  provided  with  a  bench  and  pegs  for  basins. 
These  wash  houses  are  partially  enclosed  to  permit  persons  to  strip 
entirely  for  bathing  purposes.  They  are  constructed  with  a  view 
to  good  drainage  and  ventilation. 

Water  Supply.  The  water  supply  system  is  thoroughly  tested 
and  approved  by  the  New  York  State  Health  Department  before 
camps  are  permitted  to  make  use  thereof. 

Toilets.  The  Kaustine  toilet  system  is  used,  consisting  of  a 
waterless  closet,  an  aseptic  tank  charged  with  caustic  soda,  properly 
ventilated,  and  enclosed  in  a  building  especially  set  up  for  the 
purpose. 

Waste  Disposal.  Standard  garbage-burning  disposal  equip- 
ment is  supplied  to  each  camp. 

Docks  and  Beaches.  Boat  and  swimming  docks  projecting  into 
the  water  are  built  for  camps  situated  on  the  shores  of  lakes.  For 
younger  children,  swimming  corrals  are  provided  when  considera- 
tion -of  safety  makes  them  desirable. 

Police  Protection.  Police  protection  is  available  in  the  Park 
at  all  times. 

Telephone.  All  camps  are  within  access  of  telephone  communi- 
cation. 

Tenure.  Only  a  one-year  tenure  is  granted,  renewable  annually 
at  the  discretion  of  the  Park  Commission. 

Completely  Equipped  Camps.  A  small  number  of  fully 
equipped  camps  will  be  available  in  the  order  in  which  application 
is  made  therefor,  the  use  by  one  organization  being  restricted  to 
three  weeks.  The  capacity  of  these  fully  equipped  camps  is  thirty- 
two  each.  The  purpose  in  building  them  is  to  make  it  possible  for 
small  organizations  not  able  to  maintain  a  camp  for  the  whole 
season  to  operate  a  camp  for  a  period  not  to  exceed  three  weeks 
without  being  put  to  the  cost  of  purchasing  equipment. 

It  is  impossible  at  this  time  to  determine  the  rental  of  these 
camps,  but  the  policy  of  the  Commission  is  that  of  requiring  pay- 


The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  73 

sleeping  cabins  and  provided  with  a  bench  and  pegs  for  basins. 
These  wash  houses  are  partially  enclosed  to  permit  persons  to  strip 
entirely  for  bathing  purposes.  They  are  constructed  with  a  view- 
to  good  drainage  and  ventilation. 

Water  Supply.  The  water  supply  system  is  thoroughly  tested 
and  approved  by  the  New  York  State  Health  Department  before 
camps  are  permitted  to  make  use  thereof. 

Toilets.  The  Kaustine  toilet  system  is  used,  consisting  of  a 
waterless  closet,  an  aseptic  tank  charged  with  caustic  soda,  properly 
ventilated,  and  enclosed  in  a  building  especially  set  up  for  the 
purpose. 

Waste  Disposal.  Standard  garbage-burning  disposal  equip- 
ment is  supplied  to  each  camp. 

Docks  and  Beaches.  Boat  and  swimming  docks  projecting  into 
the  water  are  built  for  camps  situated  on  the  shores  of  lakes.  For 
younger  children,  swimming  corrals  are  provided  when  considera- 
tion -of  safety  makes  them  desirable. 

Police  Protection.  Police  protection  is  available  in  the  Park 
at  all  times. 

Telephone.  All  camps  are  within  access  of  telephone  communi- 
cation. 

Tenure.  Only  a  one-year  tenure  is  granted,  renewable  annually 
at  the  discretion  of  the  Park  Commission. 

Completely  Equipped  Camps.  A  small  number  of  fully 
equipped  camps  will  be  available  in  the  order  in  which  application 
is  made  therefor,  the  use  by  one  organization  being  restricted  to 
three  weeks.  The  capacity  of  these  fully  equipped  camps  is  thirty- 
two  each.  The  purpose  in  building  them  is  to  make  it  possible  for 
small  organizations  not  able  to  maintain  a  camp  for  the  whole 
season  to  operate  a  camp  for  a  period  not  to  exceed  three  weeks 
without  being  put  to  the  cost  of  purchasing  equipment. 

It  is  impossible  at  this  time  to  determine  the  rental  of  these 
camps,  but  the  policy  of  the  Commission  is  that  of  requiring  pay- 


74         The  New  York  State  College  of  Forestry 

ment  merely  to  cover  the  cost.  It  is  believed  that  in  this  way 
small  organizations  will  be  able  to  stimulate  an  interest  in  the 
out-of-doors  which  will  enable  them  another  year,  perhaps,  to 
develop  permanent  full  season  camps. 

COST  OF  CAMP  UNITS 

The  Commissioners,  desirous  of  establishing  a  policy  mutually 
satisfactory  to  the  State  and  to  the  organizations  whose  applica- 
tions for  camp  sites  are  accepted,  have  arranged  to  place  at  the 
disposal  of  such  organizations  existing  camps  and  to  construct 
camp  facilities  where  these  do  not  already  exist  on  the  following 
uniform  basis : 

1.  Organizations  will  pay  as  an  annual  maintenance  contribu- 
tion to  the  Commissioners  the  actual  cost  of  maintenance  of  the 
camp  plant.  This  is  five  per  cent  of  the  cost  of  the  buildings 
and  improvements  and  ten  per  cent  depreciation.  The  build- 
ings and  improvements  are  erected  by  the  working  force  of  the 
Commission. 

2.  Maintenance  contributions  for  complete  camp  plants  range 
from  $350  to  $750  a  year. 

3.  Estimates  of  maintenance  contribution  in  specific  cases  are 
furnished  upon  consultation. 

STANDARD  CAMP  EQUIPMENT 

Many  of  the  camp  organizations  in  the  Park  consist  of  small 
groups  in  need  of  expert  advice  with  respect  to  camp  equipment. 
In  the  process  of  standardization,  the  Commissioners  have  devised 
standard  camp  equipment  manufactured  or  purchased  by  them 
and  resold  to  organizations  at  cost.  The  Commission's  camp 
organization,  together  with  its  large  purchasing  power,  enables  it 
to  secure  price  concessions  difficult  if  not  impossible  for  smaller 
organizations  to  obtain. 

The  Commission  maintains  a  storehouse  where  standard  equip- 
ment is  stocked  during  the  winter  and  is  available  to  camp 
organizations  during  the  spring  and  summer. 


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The  Commission  will,  on  request,  equip  a  camp  plant  from  the 
foundation  of  the  huilding  to  the  teaspoon  on  the  table.  All  this 
service  is  rendered  without  extra  cost  to  the  organization  or  profit 
to  the  Commission. 

FOOD  SERVICES 

Staple  Groceries.  For  the  same  reason  that  the  Commission 
found  it  to  the  advantage  of  its  camp  residents  to  standardize  and 
sell  equipment  on  the  ground.,  a  food  storehouse  has  been  organ- 
ized where  all  staple  groceries  are  kept  on  hand  and  available  for 
sale  at  cost. 

The  camps  are  so  isolated  that  economical  delivery  of  foods  is 
difficult.  By  means  of  the  transportation  facilities  of  the  Com- 
mission, it  is  possible,  within  an  hour's  notice,  to  deliver  large 
and  small  quantities  of  staple  supplies  to  the  camps  at  a  cost 
below  that  for  which  the  same  supplies  can  be  purchased  by 
individual  organizations  from  other  sources.  By  the  use  of  the 
Commission's  food  supply  store  and  transportation  service,  the 
Purchasing  Department  of  the  Commission  is  thus  made  available 
to  each  organization,  however  small,  and  the  heavy  costs  of  express 
and  trucking,  with  their  innumerable  delays,  are  eliminated. 

Milk.  The  Commission  will  arrange  for  a  daily  delivery  of 
milk  to  the  door  of  the  camp  in  the  same  manner  as  other  supplies. 

Bread.  In  the  same  way  the  Commission  bakes  in  its  own  plant 
and  contracts  for  bread  which  it  will  sell  and  deliver  to  camping 
organizations. 

Cooked  Meals  Delivered.  In  order  to  eliminate  cooking  at  the 
camps,  the  Commission  has,  for  the  convenience  of  camp  organi- 
zations, arranged  to  place  at  their  command  the  large  food-pro- 
ducing facilities  of  the  Bear  Mountain  Inn.  Cooked  food  is  sup- 
plied from  the  Inn  direct  to  the  camps  (Fig.  23).  Prices  for  this 
service  will  be  available  in  May  of  each  year. 

It  avoids  the  difficulty  of  getting  kitchen  help  to  work  in  the 
woods,  and  the  uncertainty  of  keeping  the  help  when  once  secured. 
Finally,  the  service  requires  less  supervision  on  the  part  of  the 


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The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  75 

The  Commission  will,  on  request,  equip  a  camp  plant  from  the 
foundation  of  the  building  to  the  teaspoon  on  the  table.  All  this 
service  is  rendered  without  extra  cost  to  the  organization  or  profit 
to  the  Commission. 

FOOD  SERVICES 

Staple  Groceries.  For  the  same  reason  that  the  Commission 
found  it  to  the  advantage  of  its  camp  residents  to  standardize  and 
sell  equipment  on  the  ground,  a  food  storehouse  has  been  organ- 
ized where  all  staple  groceries  are  kept  on  hand  and  available  for 
sale  at  cost. 

The  camps  are  so  isolated  that  economical  delivery  of  foods  is 
difficult.  By  means  of  the  transportation  facilities  of  the  Com- 
mission, it  is  possible,  within  an  hour's  notice,  to  deliver  large 
and  small  quantities  of  staple  supplies  to  the  camps  at  a  cost 
below  that  for  which  the  same  supplies  can  be  purchased  by 
individual  organizations  from  other  sources.  By  the  use  of  the 
Commission's  food  supply  store  and  transportation  service,  the 
Purchasing  Department  of  the  Commission  is  thus  made  available 
to  each  organization,  however  small,  and  the  heavy  costs  of  express 
and  trucking,  with  their  innumerable  delays,  are  eliminated. 

Milk.  The  Commission  will  arrange  for  a  daily  delivery  of 
milk  to  the  door  of  the  camp  in  the  same  manner  as  other  supplies. 

Bread.  In  the  same  way  the  Commission  bakes  in  its  own  plant 
and  contracts  for  bread  which  it  will  sell  and  deliver  to  camping 
organizations. 

Cooked  Meals  Delivered.  In  order  to  eliminate  cooking  at  the 
camps,  the  Commission  has,  for  the  convenience  of  camp  organi- 
zations, arranged  to  place  at  their  command  the  large  food-pro- 
ducing facilities  of  the  Bear  Mountain  Inn.  Cooked  food  is  sup- 
plied from  the  Inn  direct  to  the  camps  (Fig.  23).  Prices  for  this 
service  will  be  available  in  May  of  each  year. 

It  avoids  the  difficulty  of  getting  kitchen  help  to  work  in  the 
woods,  and  the  uncertainty  of  keeping  the  help  when  once  secured. 
Finally,  the  service  requires  less  supervision  on  the  part  of  the 


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The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  77 

Camp  Director,  thus  enabling  him  to  devote  more  time  to  recrea- 
tional and  cultural  work  in  the  camps. 

Last  year  the  Commission  supplied  over  150,000  meals  to 
camps  in  this  manner,  some  of  them  located  as  far  as  seventeen 
miles  from  the  Bear  Mountain  Inn.  Not  in  a  single  instance  did 
meals  fail  throughout  the  season. 

Standard  Balanced  Dietary.  With  the  assistance  of  the  hest 
expert  advice  ohtainahle  in  this  field,  a  careful  study  has  been 
made  of  the  food  needs  of  children  living  out  of  doors.  There  has 
been  designed  on  the  basis  of  this  study  a  standard  dietary  which 
has  a  plan  for  each  meal  for  three  weeks.  This  dietary  allows 
for  a  minimum  of  from  2,400  to  2,500  calories  of  food  per  day 
per  child,  and  is  balanced  in  such  a  manner  as  to  give  the  children 
the  needed  ingredients  for  healthy  growth. 

TRANSPORTATION 

The  Commission  maintains  a  special  arrangement  with  two  large 
river  steamboats  which  ply  between  New  York  and  Bear  Moun- 
tain. As  this  Bulletin  goes  to  press  it  is  impossible  to  state  what 
the  transportation  rate  will  be,  but  one  of  the  purposes  of  this 
arrangement  is  to  keep  the  cost  of  transportation  down  to  the  lowrest 
point  consistent  with  self-support.  By  the  maintenance  of  such 
water  transportation  facilities,  combined  with  its  large  fleet  of  auto- 
mobile omnibuses,  campers  will  be  enabled  to  make  the  complete  trip 
from  New  York  to  the  camp  with  every  assurance  that  the  Com- 
mission's resources  will  be  bent  to  make  the  trip  an  educational 
and  economical  one.  The  trip  from  New  York  embraces  a  45-mile 
boat  ride  to  Bear  Mountain  and.  in  most  cases,  a  17-mile  automo- 
bile ride.  The  boats  will  carry  the  equipment  of  camps  as  well 
as  the  food  supplies  for  the  Commission.  In  this  wTay  there  will 
be  a  daily  delivery  of  material  to  Bear  Mountain.  The  rates 
for  transportation  of  campers  by  boat  and  automobile,  as  wrell  as 
freight  rates,  will  be  supplied  upon  application  and  as  soon  as  they 
are  determined  by  the  Commission. 

Miscellaneous  trucking  of  supplies  will  be  arranged  for  by  the 
Commission. 


The  Neiv  York  State  College  of  Forestry 

It  is  also  possible  to  hire  the  omnibuses  of  the  Commission  at 
reduced  rates  for  special  trips  to  points  of  interest,  such  as  West 
Point,  the  Forest  of  Dean  Mine,  Queensboro  Furnace,  and  various 
scenic  tours  (Fig.  29). 

RECREATION  AND  EDUCATION 

Row  Boats.  The  Commission  will  loan  to  camp  organizations 
flat-bottom  row  boats,  especially  constructed  with  a  view  to  safety, 
with  one  pair  of  oars  and  oar-locks,  on  payment  to  the  Commission 
of  $1.00  per  week.  This  charge  merely  covers  the  cost  of  repairs, 
painting  and  renewal  of  boat  equipment.  Organizations  will  be 
held  responsible  for  the  return  in  good  condition  of  the  boat  and 
boat  equipment  at  the  end  of  the  season,  ordinary  wear  and  tear 
excepted.  Breakage  or  loss  of  boats  or  equipment  is  chargeable  to 
the  organization  hiring  the  boats. 

Music  and  Other  Entertainments.  Musical  concerts  are  given 
periodically  in  the  various  camp  centers. 

Inter-camp  athletics  and  aquatic  meets  are  held  throughout  the 
season.  Inter-camp  entertainments  with  local  camp  talent  are 
always  encouraged  and  fill  the  evenings  of  the  summer  with  inter- 
est, entertainment,  and  fun. 

Lectures.  The  Commission  arranges  with  prominent  lecturers 
for  informal  talks  on  topics  of  live  interest.  The  lecturers  visit 
centers  to  which  groups  of  campers  are  invited,  notice  being  given 
in  advance  (Fig.  14).    There  is  no  charge  for  this  service. 

Natural  History  Exhibits.  Twenty  small  exhibits  of  mounted 
birds,  minerals,  reptiles,  and  other  objects  of  natural  history  are 
loaned  to  the  camps  for  short  periods,  together  with  leaflets  for 
camp  directors  to  use  for  imparting  instruction  in  nature  studies. 
This  work  is  carried  on  in  cooperation  with  and  through  the  cour- 
tesy of  the  American  Museum  of  Natural  History. 


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The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  79 

HEALTH  PROTECTION 

The  Sanitary  Supervisor  of  the  New  York  State  Health  Depart- 
ment will  make  a  sanitary  inspection  of  each  camp  plant  and 
certify  as  to  its  healthfulness  before  the  camp  is  permitted  to  be 
occupied. 

The  Commission  will  cooperate  with  a  physician  with  head- 
quarters centrally  located,  who  will  make  visits  to  each  camp 
plant,  examine  such  children  (Fig.  25)  as  are  pointed  out  by  the 
camp  councillors  to  be  in  need  of  medical  examination,  give  first  aid 
to  cases  of  accident,  and  do  such  other  work  as  may  be  necessary  to 
maintain  the  campers  in  the  best  of  health. 

The  schedule  of  cost  of  this  service  will  be  supplied  on  appli- 
cation. 

PALISADES  PARK  CAMP  DIRECTORS'  ASSOCIATION 

This  is  an  organization  of  directors  of  all  of  the  camps  in  the 
Palisades  Park.  The  branches  of  this  organization  are :  (a)  Sta- 
hahe  Group,  (b)  Kanahwauke  Group,  (c)  Central  Valley  Group, 
(d)  Palisades  Group,  and  (e)  Miscellaneous  Group.  The  purpose 
of  this  organization  is  to  increase,  so  far  as  possible,  the  value  and 
efficiency  of  the  camp  enterprises  in  the  Park.  Each  group  has  its 
own  offices  and  meets  weekly,  the  meeting  being  held  at  a  different 
camp  each  week.  At  these  meetings  the  local  problems  are  dis- 
cussed, the  inter-camp  activities  arranged,  and  any  matter  pertain- 
ing to  camps  in  the  Park  receives  the  freest  criticism.  The  organi- 
zation, in  addition  to  its  weekly  meetings  during  the  summer, 
meets  in  the  winter  and  spring  preparatory  to  the  activities  of  the 
ensuing  season. 


The  Palisades  Interstate  Park  79 

HEALTH  PROTECTION 

The  Sanitary  Supervisor  of  the  New  York  State  Health  Depart- 
ment will  make  a  sanitary  inspection  of  each  camp  plant  and 
certify  as  to  its  healthfulness  before  the  camp  is  permitted  to  be 
occupied. 

The  Commission  will  cooperate  with  a  physician  with  head- 
quarters centrally  located,  who  will  make  visits  to  each  camp 
plant,  examine  such  children  (Fig.  25)  as  are  pointed  out  by  the 
camp  councillors  to  be  in  need  of  medical  examination,  give  first  aid 
to  cases  of  accident,  and  do  such  other  work  as  may  be  necessary  to 
maintain  the  campers  in  the  best  of  health. 

The  schedule  of  cost  of  this  service  will  be  supplied  on  appli- 
cation. 

PALISADES  PARK  CAMP  DIRECTORS'  ASSOCIATION 

This  is  an  organization  of  directors  of  all  of  the  camps  in  the 
Palisades  Park.  The  branches  of  this  organization  are :  (a)  Sta- 
hahe  Group,  (b)  Kanahwauke  Group,  (c)  Central  Valley  Group, 
(d)  Palisades  Group,  and  (e)  Miscellaneous  Group.  The  purpose 
of  this  organization  is  to  increase,  so  far  as  possible,  the  value  and 
efficiency  of  the  camp  enterprises  in  the  Park.  Each  group  has  its 
own  offices  and  meets  weekly,  the  meeting  being  held  at  a  different 
camp  each  week.  At  these  meetings  the  local  problems  are  dis- 
cussed, the  inter-camp  activities  arranged,  and  any  matter  pertain- 
ing to  camps  in  the  Park  receives  the  freest  criticism.  The  organi- 
zation, in  addition  to  its  weekly  meetings  during  the  summer, 
meets  in  the  winter  and  spring  preparatory  to  the  activities  of  the 
ensuing  season. 


RETURN     ENVIRONMENTAL  DESIGN  LIBRARY 

TO— +     210  Wurster  Hall  642-4818 


LOAN  PERIOD  1 
QUARTER 

2                               3 

4 

5                               6 

ALL  BOOKS  MAY  BE  RECALLED  AFTER  7  DAYS 
Return  books  early  if  they  are  not  being  used 

DUE  AS  STAMPED  BELOW 

L 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA,  BERKELEY 
FORM  NO.  DD1  3,  74m,  3/78  BERKELEY,  CA  94720 


®s 


